- Dustin Martin will sign with the Suns says David Schwarz
- Schwarz says he is ‘100 per cent’ sure of the news
- Martin’s future has been up in the air this season
Tigers superstar Dustin Martin will leave Richmond to sign with Gold Coast at the end of the 2024 season, according to Demons great David Schwarz.
Martin, 33, recently celebrated his 300th game at Punt Road, but speculation over the two-time Brownlow Medalist’s future has been rife amid reports he is considering walking away from footy for good.
Martin has also been linked with a move north, away from the AFL bubble of Melbourne, with reports that a reunion with former Tigers coach Damien Hardwick could be on the cards.
Schwarz is absolutely certain that Martin will join up with the Suns next season.
‘I’ll give you 100 per cent. And this isn’t 97 per cent or 98 per cent,’ the footy great told SEN radio.
‘100 per cent Dustin Martin will be playing at the Gold Coast next year on a two-year contract.
‘You can take it to the bank. Put it in the bank right now and collect the interest. It’s done.
‘You will see that he will be playing for the Gold Coast next year and I reckon you’ll find he plays the majority of home games and travel might not be a big option for him.
AFL great David Schwarz says that Richmond champion Dustin Martin (pictured) will ‘100 per cent’ be playing for the Gold Coast Suns next season
Martin’s future has been up in the air in 2024, but Schwarz is certain he’s heading north
‘I think what he brings is a bit of star factor and people through the gates and he is a great leader on the training track and on the field.
‘Sometimes actions speak louder than words, but when he talks he commands enormous respect and for a young group, it’s only benefits that he brings.
‘He’s got his outside life under control. He’s mature. His example is exactly what the Suns need. He brings marketing dollars, he’s got a great relationship with the coach, he knows the system and he goes up there in a playing and behind the scenes role.
‘It’s just a win-win. Richmond gets a nice pick for him and he gets another opportunity and I think everybody wins in this.’
Nine’s footy reporter Tom Morris also believes a reunion with Hardwick might eventuate.
‘It’s absolutely in play and this hasn’t changed all year,’ said Morris on Tuesday.
‘As it sits, it’s more the Martin camp pushing it, than Gold Coast chasing him. The Suns are open to the idea, but not yet wedded to it.’
Morris added that Martin would need to accept a seven-figure paycut if he is to move to the Suns, and is convinced that the 33-year-old’s time at Punt Road will be over shortly.
‘His agent Ralph Carr said he is weighing up his options,’ Morris continued.
‘I have spoken to multiple people close to Dusty this afternoon who believe his time at Punt Rd is coming to an end and he will either join the Suns or retire.
‘That is my strong belief too, that he only has a handful of games left in the yellow and black.’
Some have speculated that Martin would retire at the end of the season
Martin did not train on Tuesday as he is recovering from a lower back injury sustained during the team’s loss to Carlton on Sunday.
The 33-year-old finished with just seven disposals in the 20.11 (131) to 10.10 (70) defeat – the lowest tally of his 301-game career.
‘He just seized up,’ Tigers coach Adam Yze said.
‘He tried to go back out there for one more rotation and he was just battling, so it was just pointless.
‘I’m not sure if he’s ever been subbed before but against a quality team like Carlton you need 18 fit guys out there.
‘So for him to put his hand up and say his back’s a bit too sore is a credit to him.’
