Why this VERY rare photo of Dustin Martin enjoying himself has the footy rumour mill in overdrive about Tigers great’s shocking retirement backflip
- Footballer retired from Richmond Tigers this year
- Martin has already been linked with a move to the Suns
A rare photo of Richmond legend Dustin Martin relaxing on the Gold Coast has all but confirmed fans’ theories that his recent retirement wouldn’t last long.
The 33-year-old announced on August 6 that his active football career was over, after which he bid an emotional farewell to the Tigers fans during the final game of the year on August 24.
However, fans have long been suspicious of his retirement as he has been linked with the Gold Coast and a reunion with former Richmond coach Damien Hardwick.
Martin, who is very private about his private life and rarely appears on social media, was recently pictured with friends in Burleigh Heads in Queensland.
Collingwood cult hero Dane Swan posted a group photo of the football star at a baby shower.
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.
Martin is reportedly set to settle for less than a quarter of his previous contract as the Suns operate under a tight salary cap after landing Mac Andrew in a lucrative deal.
Dustin Martin (second left) is pictured with Collingwood Great Dane (third left) on the Gold Coast amid rumours he will play for the Suns next season
Martin is pictured giving an emotional farewell to Richmond supporters during the club’s final game of the season, having confirmed his ‘retirement’ just weeks earlier
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.
In June, Martin’s manager Ralph Carr said his client still had plenty of footballing potential, but injuries and a decline in form had led to speculation he would retire soon.
That match saw the Tigers take on the Suns, with Hardwick embracing his great friend (pictured), marking the supposed end of his days as an AFL player.
“People forget very quickly that he was on the verge of becoming All Australian last year. Champion Data said his stats were unbelievable. That was only six months ago,” Carr said.
“I think his body is in good shape and it would be a shame if Dustin retired. The big man still has a lot in him. I think it’s very fitting that people call him the People’s Champion.
“He’s the punters’ champion. They love him, it doesn’t matter if they’re Richmond fans. The punters love him, whether they’re Collingwood or Essendon fans, they just love the way he plays.”