The one key question Gold Coast Suns will ask Dustin Martin before deciding whether to offer footy legend 2025 swansong
- Dustin Martin’s motivation will be questioned by the Suns
- Martin has been linked with a move to the Gold Coast
- But the Suns will ask for guarantees from the 33-year-old
The Suns will ask Dustin Martin if he really wants to continue playing football before offering the Tigers legend a contract for 2025.
Martin, 33, announced his retirement on August 6. He gave an emotional farewell to Tigers fans during the final game of the year on August 24.
However, fans have long questioned the legitimacy of his retirement given ties to the Gold Coast and a reunion with former Richmond coach Damien Hardwick.
Martin played only 13 games last season due to injuries to his calf and back, and there were concerns about his ambition to play at the top level.
The Suns will consider Martin’s motivation level before extending him a one-year offer, which is reportedly significantly lower than his contract with the Tigers in 2024.
According to the Herald Sun, Martin would have to settle for a salary less than a quarter of his previous contract as the Suns operate a tight salary cap after signing Mac Andrew in a lucrative deal.
Dustin Martin must prove his motivation level at the Gold Coast Suns
The Suns are considering a trade for the 33-year-old who retired last month
Gold Coast could offer Martin less than $300,000, which would really test his desire to continue playing in the AFL.
The story could have implications for negotiations between Richmond and the Suns over their transfer of Tigers star Daniel Rioli.
Richmond are demanding a sixth-place finish as part of a swap for Rioli, with only exploratory talks taking place between the two clubs at the time of writing.
Martin wants to leave Melbourne and has sought solace on the Gold Coast in the past off-season.