Dustin Martin in talks for sudden retirement backflip amid negotiations with the Gold Coast Suns
The Richmond legend may not have said goodbye to the game after all.
AFL superstar Dustin Martin could be set to play on into the 2025 season after confirmation the premiership winner is in talks with the Gold Coast Suns as a free agent. Martin left Richmond fans stunned earlier this season having announced the clash against North Melbourne would be his final game.
Many had already predicted Martin's career would come to an end after the 2024 season, but his decision with two games left in the season left Richmond fans stunned. While Martin was struggling to maintain consistency in 2024, many still expected he would at least see out the season and give fans the chance to farewell the Tigers legend at the MCG in the final game.
Martin was afforded a rousing farewell at the MCG from Richmond fans in their final home game against the Suns. While Martin had been linked with the Suns for 2025 - and a reunion with former coach Damien Hardwick - the speculation dissipated after what appeared to be his farewell from the game.
However, on Friday evening, reports from The Herald Sun claimed Martin had met with Hardwick and there were plans he would join the Suns as a free agent. The club confirmed Martin had reached out to the Suns.
“Dustin has reached out to the club but that’s as far as it goes at this point in time,’’ Suns chief executive Mark Evans told the publication. Martin retired without breaking any contract. This means he would be available as a free agent. Martin would be a list position and earn between $350,000-$500,00 a year.
While many fans had thought Martin would end up at the claimed Martin had met with Hardwick and there were plans he would join the Suns as a free agent. The club confirmed Martin had reached out to theSuns.ll, but rather was looking for a change of scenery.
So Dusty to the Suns is our MJ to the Wizards, right?
— Max Laughton (@maxlaughton) September 13, 2024
Dustin Martin to play on at Gold Coast Suns. They are trying to gaslight us and sell it as a backflip decision. But Dusty had checked out of Richmond before retiring. He earned the right to look elsewhere but just weird how they are going about it..
— Adam Cornell 🔴⚫ (@MrCricketAust) September 13, 2024
This is the least surprising news of the year. Was always gonna happen
— Jake Davis (@JakeDav08180745) September 13, 2024
In 2023, Dustin Martin averaged >23 disposals , enjoyed a 25-goal season, and was a touch unlucky to miss out on the All-Australian team from the 44-man squad.
He is 33, but we saw firsthand last week how impactful Dangerfield still is, well into his 30s.
Worth the look.— Paddy Grindlay (@pad_nauseum) September 13, 2024
I’d be surprised if the Dustin Martin news is a shock to anyone? He barely said a word (other than thanking Tigers supporters), let alone saying that he was “finished with football” or anything definitive. Was always on the cards. 🤷🏻♂️
— Luke Ryan (@luke2177) September 13, 2024
Dustin Martin leaves Richmond with stunning tribute
Martin said goodbye to the Richmond fans in front of a packed house in the final round of the AFL season. And he was brought to tears with the reception.
“It’s pretty surreal, it feels a little bit weird. I think after today it’ll probably really sink in,” Martin said when asked about how he was feeling with the spotlight firmly on him. “As everyone knows, I love the club so much, I love you all so much. I’m going to miss the place so much, I’m just so grateful to be a Tiger.”
Martin will forever be famous for ending Richmond's 37-year premiership drought in 2017. And he will go down as one of the best players of all time and arguably the greatest finals player of all time. The midfielder won three premierships and added three Norm Smith Medals along with them.
He also added a Brownlow Medal with his 2017 title. He remains the only player even to win the Norm Smith medal three times. Hawthorn great Luke Hodge (2008, 2014), Adelaide legend Andrew McLeod (1997, 1998) and Hawks hero Gary Ayres (1986, 1988) are the only other players to have one the medal more than once.
