'A good fit': Suns confirm talks with Richmond legend Dustin Martin ...
‘A good fit’: Suns confirm talks with Richmond legend Dustin Martin to play in 2025
Dustin Martin and Gold Coast have begun negotiations about a playing contract for 2025.
The Richmond legend, who made an emotional farewell to the Tigers’ faithful at the end of the home-and-away season after announcing his retirement, is eager to continue his career under former coach Damien Hardwick.
Dustin Martin played his last game for Richmond against North Melbourne on July 30.Credit: Getty
Two sources close to Martin, who could not speak publicly due to the private nature of the negotiations, said the Suns and the Brownlow medallist had initially discussed a two-year contract earlier this season.
When asked about the situation, Gold Coast football boss Wayne Campbell told this masthead: “We can confirm that Dustin has had a conversation with the club and we will both be engaging in further conversations to work out whether it’s a good fit for the Gold Coast Suns and for Dustin.”
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Martin’s management has also been contacted by this masthead.
Martin, who played 302 games for the Tigers, could join the Suns as a free agent.
The triple premiership player played his 300th game in front of a massive crowd of more than 90,000 at the MCG and whipped the Tiger army into a frenzy by a vintage Dusty special: a long-range goal on the burst.
“It was the best. It was old school. I loved it and I loved the crowd so much,” Martin said after that match. “I love this club more than anything and thank you again.”
Martin, a three-time Norm Smith medallist, Brownlow medallist, four-time All Australian, three-time Gary Ayres medallist and dual Jack Dyer Medal winner told teammates in early August of the decision to retire after 15 seasons.
Famed for his “don’t argue” fend-off, Martin, 33, announced his retirement with a typical lack of fanfare – quietly on Tuesday morning with no press conference and no farewell game. But he did a lap of honour around the MCG ahead of the round-24 clash against the Suns.
“It is hard to put into words what the Richmond Football Club means to me – I love this place so much,” Martin said in a statement announcing his retirement.
“I will be forever grateful for the love and the support I have received from the people here. To my teammates, the brotherhood that we all share is what I value most, as well as the bond with the staff and coaches … thank you to all of you.
“To my family and friends, thank you for your unconditional love and support.
“To the Tiger army, I have always felt loved and supported throughout my career, and for that, I will be forever grateful. The memories that we have created together will live with me forever. Thank you.”
More to come
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