Fox Footy responds to Dustin Martin photo frenzy as AFL pundits smack down 'stupid' theory

Fox Footy have responded to speculation sparked by a photo of Dustin Martin after AFL pundits Cameron Mooney and Sam Edmund slapped down suggestions he could be joining the network's commentary team. The Richmond champion says he's happily retired and continually denied speculation he'll play on with the Gold Coast Suns next year.

And on Tuesday he appeared to give a massive indication that his future might lie in the media. Martin was spotted at a cafe chatting to Foxtel boss Patrick Delany, Fox Sports managing director Steve Crawley, former teammate and current Fox Footy commentator Jack Riewoldt, and his manager Ralph Carr.

It immediately sparked speculation that Martin will be joining the Fox Footy commentary team in 2025 and won't be backflipping on his retirement. With rumours running wild, Fox Footy released a statement declaring nothing has been set in stone for 2025.

"We are aware of speculation surrounding Dustin Martin and Ralph Carr attending a recent meeting with Foxtel Group CEO Patrick Delany, Fox Sports Managing Director Steve Crawley and Fox Footy expert Jack Riewoldt," the statement said. "Whilst we can confirm this meeting took place, we are not yet in a position to comment further.

"Fox Footy holds regular meetings with current and retired champions of the game and we are always committed to bolstering what is an already unrivalled suite of on-air talent to elevate the viewing experience for subscribers. In recent weeks Fox Footy has signed respected experts Shaun Burgoyne and Tom Hawkins who will play pivotal roles in our Super Saturday Live coverage next year."

AFL pundits question Dustin Martin commentary theory

But as Mooney and Edmund pointed out on SEN radio on Wednesday morning, Martin has been notoriously private over the years and hardly ever speaks to the media. Edmund described it as a "stupid" suggestion that Martin would want to get into commentary, speculating that the more likely story is Fox Sports are eyeing off a documentary about the 300-gamer.

“So the guy who spends his entire life as a footy recluse, shunning and hating the media, doing everything he can to avoid the media - which is ultimately his prerogative - but to turn around, if this story is accurate, and then consider making something of a living from that same footy media, I think is the most stupid thing I have read this year, maybe in multiple years,” he said.

“I cannot get head my head around it. Could there be a greater case of sporting hypocrisy than if he was to do a show on Fox or join the commentary team… it can’t be true. If it’s not then forget everything I’ve said. But he is aware of the job description, isn’t he? If he is to go down this path he will have to speak.”

Mooney added: “We don’t know exactly what it is. It’s probably more of a specials (special comments role). Maybe he’s been saying, ‘I’ve just been waiting and waiting and then I’m just going to come out and go bang, and I’m going to be the most talkative man on TV’. They’re going to have to come out and explain exactly what this role may entail.”

Mooney then joked with tongue in cheek: “I can’t wait for him to come out and make all of you eat your words when he comes out and nails the first interview with a player. I’m telling you, this is the Dusty we’ve all been waiting for.”

Jacqui Felgate and Andy Maher respond to Dustin Martin photo

On 3AW on Tuesday afternoon, Jacqui Felgate said she'd be very interested to see how Martin would go in the media. “The bloke has said about 30 words in his entire career,” she said.

“I would absolutely listen…I would because I have never heard him, he’s spoken like twice. He spoke to Jack Riewoldt when he retired and he was actually quite good. I think he’s essentially a shy person and doesn’t like to speak publicly.”

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While Andy Maher also floated the theory there's more likely a doco in the works. “If Dusty has been sitting on this communication talents throughout his magnificent career and for whatever reason hasn’t wanted to share it with us, then this will be the biggest coup of all time,” he said on SEN.

“How surprised would you be if Dusty turned out to be an outstanding analyst? He might have an idea for another type of show, (telling Fox) ‘I have been watching football coverage and this is what I think you could add, would you be prepared to consider it?’.”