Richmond legend Dustin Martin could reunite with Damien Hardwick on the Gold Coast after the Suns confirmed the three-time premiership player has spoken with the club.
Martin announced his retirement last month but has regularly been linked to a move to the Suns, where he could again join forces with Hardwick.
The pair were central figures in Richmond’s golden era, with three-time Norm Smith medallist Martin the star in the 2017, 2019 and 2020 premiership-winning teams coached by Hardwick.
Suns general manager of football performance Wayne Campbell said Martin had spoken to the club.
“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,” Campbell said.
Martin played 302 matches for the Tigers, with his final appearance coming in round 21 against North Melbourne.
He announced his retirement just days later.
Martin managed just 13 matches this year and Gold Coast would have to consider the 33-year-old’s level of motivation to extend his career into a 16th season.
Arguably the biggest name in football, Martin would be unlikely to receive any extra money as an AFL ambassador in Queensland.
Hardwick stepped down as Richmond coach in May last year before accepting a six-year deal to coach Gold Coast just three months later.
In July, Hardwick confirmed a level of interest in luring Martin to the Suns.
“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,” Hardwick said.
“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.”
AAP/ABC
