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Richmond legend Dustin Martin has met with Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick in an act that has all but confirmed fan theories that his recent retirement was never going to last.
The 33-year-old announced his playing career was over on August 6, then bid an emotional farewell to Tigers fans at the club’s final game of the year on August 24.
Earlier this year, footy great Brendan Fevola spoke for many fans when he said retirement was just a smokescreen so ‘Dusty’ could rejoin his old coach Hardwick after he shocked Richmond by quitting in 2023.
Now Martin has fired up speculation about his future by meeting with Hardwick in the offseason as he and the Suns begin negotiations so he can play on in 2025.
‘We can confirm Dustin has had a conversation with club and we will both be engaging in further conversations to work out whether it’s a good fit for the Gold Coast and for Dustin,’ Suns general manager Wayne Campbell told The Age.
The superstar and the club discussed a two-year contract earlier this season, the publication reported.
Because Martin ‘retired’, Richmond would receive no compensation from the Gold Coast if the move ends up happening.
In July, Hardwick refused to rule out rumours the two-time Norm Smith Medal winner would join him on the Glitter Strip in 2025.
The Gold Coast Suns have confirmed Martin (left) met with the club about resuming his partnership with coach Damien Hardwick (right) in 2025
Martin is pictured during his emotional farewell to Richmond supporters at the club’s last game of the season after confirming his ‘retirement’ just weeks beforehand
That match saw the Tigers take on the Suns, with Hardwick embracing his great mate (pictured) as they marked the supposed end of his days as an AFL player
‘Dustin’s a contracted player at Richmond. That’s obviously for Dustin to decide and Richmond to work their way through,’ he said.
‘He’s a really, really good player, there’s no doubt about that, and every single club would be crazy if they didn’t sit there and at some stage make an assessment.
‘Like 17 other clubs, we’re always looking for good players.
‘Gold Coast is no different. Those list management calls will get made at the back-end of the year.’
In June, Martin’s manager Ralph Carr said his client had plenty of football left in him as injuries and a drop in form prompted speculation that his retirement was imminent.
‘People forget really quickly that he was on the verge of being All Australian last year. Champion Data said his stats were unbelievable. That was only six months ago,’ Carr said.
‘My view is that his body is in good condition and it would be a shame for Dustin to finish up. The great man has got a lot left in him. I think that people calling him the People’s Champion is really appropriate.
‘He is the punters’ champion. They love him, it doesn’t matter if they are Richmond fans. The punters love him, whether they are Collingwood or Essendon supporters, they just enjoy the way he plays.’
Martin is pictured playing his last game for the Tigers on August 3. He announced his retirement, effective immediately, six days later
Martin couldn’t contain his emotions when he waved goodbye to Tigers fans at the MCG as they fell to the Suns last month.
Just as he did after his 300th game in June, Martin gave a short interview to former Richmond teammate Jack Riewoldt.
‘[I’m] pretty emotional, [it’s] just pretty surreal,’ a clearly emotional Martin said.
‘[It] Feels a little bit weird. I think after today it’ll probably really sink in.
‘As everyone knows, I love the club so much, I love you [the fans] all so much.
‘I’m going to miss the place so much, just so grateful to be a Tiger.’
When Riewoldt told him to name a moment that sticks out from his career, ‘Dusty’ replied, ‘There’s been too many awesome moments over the journey, but you can’t go pat the OG flat in 2017. That was pretty bloody special.’
Asked to give one last message to the Tiger army, Martin offered this: ‘I love you all so much.
‘I’ve been so loved and supported. I love you all so much. Thanks for everything.’
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