'Reached out': Dusty considering bombshell retirement backflip ...

Richmond legend Dustin Martin has met with Gold Coast Suns coach Damien Hardwick as speculation intensifies that he will do a retirement backflip.

The Herald Sun’s Mark Robinson reported on Friday that Martin had met with his former coach in the post-season, revealing that Martin is leaning towards continuing his AFL career in the sunshine state.

Martin retired from the game effective immediately last month but could become a Suns player as a free agent, if he chooses to continue his AFL career.

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Technically Martin must not have retired because if he had signed the proper paperwork he would not be allowed to play for another AFL team in 2025.

Instead he is effectively an out-of-contract free agent, and given his age and the likelihood of a two-year deal according to reports, he would very likely not earn Richmond any free agency compensation.

Gold Coast chief executive Mark Evans confirmed the club and Martin had been in contact.

“Dustin has reached out to the club but that’s as far as it goes at this point in time,” Evans told the Herald Sun.

According to Robinson, Martin is currently on the Gold Coast and has caught up with former teammate Brandon Ellis, who finished his career at the Suns.

He said Martin has spent recent weeks weighing up if he has the motivation to continue his AFL career.

If the Suns could secure the Tigers champion, it would be an almighty coup for football in Queensland.