Dustin Martin and another big Tigers player have been spotted at the Gold Coast – fueling speculation that “Dusty” could join Damien Hardwick at the Suns
Dustin Martin and another big Tigers player have been spotted at the Gold Coast – fueling speculation that “Dusty” could join Damien Hardwick at the Suns
- Dustin Martin has been spotted on vacation on the Gold Coast
- There were rumors he could join the Suns under new coach Damien Hardwick
- Hardwick signed a six-year deal in August after leaving Richmond
AFL superstar Dustin Martin was spotted taking “a little vacation” to the Gold Coast, sparking speculation he could join former coach Damien Hardwick at the Suns.
Martin, 32, has Richmond under contract until the end of next season – but the three-time Premier player could end up pursuing a new sporting challenge on the Glitter Strip.
Former Tigers teammate Alex Rance, who retired in 2019, has also been spotted in the Sunshine State after recently buying property in Queensland.
Martin has been linked with a move to the Suns since Hardwick took up coaching at the club last month.
Richmond native Trent Cotchin told Channel Seven he would like to see Martin stay at Punt Rd as a one-club player.
“It would be great to see him as a 300-game legend for the Tigers in the Yellow and Blacks,” he said.
AFL superstar Dustin Martin has been spotted taking “a little vacation” to the Gold Coast, prompting rumors he could potentially join former coach Damien Hardwick at the Suns
Damien Hardwick left Richmond in May due to exhaustion but then signed a six-year contract with the Gold Coast Suns in August
‘[However] Is it pre-retirement fun to go up there? [to the Gold Coast] and enjoy the sun at the end of his career?
“I’m not sure, but I know that loyalty is one of Dusty’s values.”
The possibility of Rance playing again at AFL level is unlikely due to his age.
Rance turned 34 in October and was a top full-back and natural leader in his prime – but five years without sport could prove crucial.
Rance has more time on his hands following the recent closure of his three elite Academy AFL schools in Essendon, Geelong and Wangaratta.
“The game is very tough and Alex is a bit older than when he left,” said former Tigers captain Cotchin.
“I have to say that I’ve seen pictures of his device recently and it’s in good condition.”
“It just depends on whether he feels like it or not.”