Dustin Martin’s AFL future narrowed down to TWO options… and it’s bad news for Richmond fans

According to reports, there are only two options for Dustin Martin going forward, and Richmond is not included in either of them.

The 33-year-old Tigers superstar recently celebrated his 300th game at Punt Road, but speculation is rife over the two-time Brownlow Medallist’s future as he considers a permanent retirement from football.

Martin has also been linked with a move north, away from Melbourne’s AFL bubble, with 9News reporting a reunion with former Tigers coach Damien Hardwick is a possibility.

“It’s absolutely happening and it’s been that way all year,” said Nine’s football reporter Tom Morris.

‘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.

Reports claim he wants to reunite with Damien Hardwick on the Gold Coast

‘That is also my firm belief, that he only has a few more games in yellow and black.’

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.”