Dustin Martin is ‘100 per cent’ heading to the Gold Coast Suns in 2025, says AFL great: ‘It’s done’
- Dustin Martin to sign with Suns, says David Schwarz
- Schwarz says he is ‘100 percent’ sure of the news
- Martin’s future has been uncertain this season
Tigers superstar Dustin Martin will leave Richmond to sign for Gold Coast at the end of the 2024 season, according to Demons legend David Schwarz.
Martin, 33, recently celebrated his 300th game at Punt Road but speculation is rife over the two-time Brownlow Medallist’s future amid rumours he is considering a permanent retirement from football.
Martin has also been linked with a move north, away from Melbourne’s AFL bubble, with a reunion with former Tigers coach Damien Hardwick said to be a possibility.
Schwarz is absolutely confident Martin will join the Suns next season.
“I give you 100 percent. And this is not 97 percent or 98 percent,” the football legend told SEN radio.
‘Dustin Martin will play 100 percent for the Gold Coast next year on a two-year contract.
“You can take it to the bank. Put it in the bank now and get the interest. It’s settled.”
‘You’ll see him playing for the Gold Coast next year and I suspect he’ll play most of his games at home and travelling won’t be an option for him.
AFL great David Schwarz says Richmond champion Dustin Martin (pictured) will ‘100 per cent’ play for the Gold Coast Suns next season
Martin’s future is uncertain in 2024, but Schwarz is confident he will head north
“I think he’s a star player and he gets people going. He’s a great leader on the training ground and on the field.”
‘Sometimes actions speak louder than words, but when he speaks he commands enormous respect and for a young group he only brings advantages.’
“He’s got his life on the outside under control. He’s mature. His example is exactly what the Suns need. He brings the marketing dollars, he has a great relationship with the coach, he knows the system and he goes there in a role as a player and behind the scenes.
“It’s just a win-win situation. Richmond gets a great pick for him and he gets another chance and I think everybody wins here.”
Nine football reporter Tom Morris also believes a reunion with Hardwick is possible.
“It absolutely plays out and that hasn’t changed all year,” Morris said Tuesday.
‘As it stands, it’s more the Martin camp pushing it than Gold Coast chasing it. The Suns are open to the idea but not committed to it yet.’
Morris added that Martin will have to accept a seven-figure pay cut if he wants to join the Suns, and he is confident the 33-year-old’s time at Punt Road will soon be over.
“His agent Ralph Carr said he was considering his options,” Morris continued.
‘I’ve spoken to several people this afternoon who know Dusty well and they believe his time at Punt Road is coming to an end and he will either join the Suns or retire.
‘That is also my firm belief, that he only has a few more games in yellow and black.’
Some have speculated that Martin would retire at the end of the season
Martin did not train on Tuesday as he continues to recover from a lower back injury sustained in the team’s loss to Carlton on Sunday.
The 33-year-old finished with just seven disposals in the 20.11 (131) to 10.10 (70) defeat – the lowest tally of his 301-game career.
“He just had a fit,” Tigers coach Adam Yze said.
‘He tried to play one more time, but he was just fighting, so it was no use.
‘I’m not sure if he’s ever been substituted before, but against a quality team like Carlton you need 18 fit lads.
“So the fact that he raises his hand and says his back is a little sore is worth a compliment.”