Gold Coast Coach Damien Hardwick Addresses Potential Dustin Martin Return

Gold Coast Suns‘ coach Damien Hardwick has provided fresh insights into the possibility of Dustin Martin, the legendary AFL player, making a return to the sport by joining the Suns in the upcoming off-season. Although Martin announced his retirement earlier this year, there have been numerous reports suggesting that the 33-year-old may be considering a comeback. The club confirmed earlier this month that Martin’s representatives reached out regarding a potential move, however, discussions were still in their nascent stages.

Gold Coast’s chief executive, Mark Evans, stated, “Dustin has reached out to the club but that’s as far as it goes at this point in time.” Speaking on Fox Footy’s “AFL 360,” Hardwick elaborated on the situation, noting that both parties are currently evaluating the potential collaboration. “We’ve had conversations,” he said. “What we’ve just got to sit there and figure out is: ‘Can it work for both of us?’”

Hardwick, who is in his first year coaching the Suns, added that there is no immediate rush to decide. “Those sorts of decisions aren’t made until about a month’s time,” he explained. Despite this deliberative pace, Hardwick confirmed the team remains open to the idea of Martin entering their roster.

Hardwick also revealed that part of the club’s broader recruitment strategy includes targeting established players. He remarked, “We have been really specific about looking at established players that can help us. We’ve got picks this year, but we primarily want to sit there and bring in established talent.” This strategy aligns with the Suns’ current position as one of the youngest teams in the AFL.

Meanwhile, Martin’s retirement has mirrored that of fellow AFL great Lance Franklin, both opting for low-profile exits and choosing not to participate in farewell events like the Brownlow Medal count or the retiring players’ motorcade at the grand final. Although his future remains uncertain, Martin’s status as an unrestricted free agent should he choose to unretire, keeps possibilities open.

As of the last update, Dustin Martin did not attend the Brownlow Medal count on Monday night and is not scheduled to appear at the MCG motorcade for retiring players at the grand final. Such absence aligns with the quiet departures of players like Lance Franklin.