Dustin Martin’s manager Ralph Carr has spoken out on a viral photo that appeared to show the Richmond Tigers legend meeting with Fox Footy powerbrokers on Tuesday for a coffee.
The image sparked large speculation that Martin, a three-time Norm Smith Medallist, could be set to step into broadcasting, following his retirement in August.
Many fans took to social media with some questioning whether the famously camera-shy footy star would be suited to a role in television.
It comes amid widespread upheaval in the Australian sports broadcasting landscape, with several pundits, including Kane Cornes, Caroline Wilson and Craig Hutchison all moved to Channel Seven. Ex-Geelong forward Tom Hawkins, who also retired at the end of the season, linked up with Fox Footy.
There was speculation that Martin, 33, could still nominate himself for the National Draft, with the deadline closing earlier today at 3pm.
Former Richmond star Dustin Martin has been linked with a career change to join up with Fox Footy
The speculation arose after Martin and his agent Ralph Carr were pictured having a meeting with Fox Footy powerbrokers on Tuesday
But the Herald Sun claimed on Tuesday that he could instead choose to step into broadcasting, having met with Foxtel boss Patrick Delaney and Fox Sports managing director Steve Crawley.
The trio were pictured enjoying a coffee alongside former Richmond ace Jack Riewoldt and Martin’s manager Carr.
Both Carr and Fox Footy have since broken their silence over the meeting.
‘I can confirm that @DustinMartin4 and myself had a meeting with Patrick Delany, Steve Crawley and @JackRiewoldt08 from @FOXFOOTY,’ Carr wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
‘At this point, I am not going to go into specifics as it was a private discussion, but hopefully, we will have some news to share when the time is right… RC.’
A spokesperson for Fox Footy also told Daily Mail Australia: ‘We are aware of speculation surrounding Dustin Martin and Ralph Carr attending a recent meeting with Foxtel Group CEO Patrick Delany, Fox Sports Managing Director Steve Crawley and Fox Footy expert Jack Riewoldt.
‘Whilst we can confirm this meeting took place, we are not yet in a position to comment further.
‘Fox Footy holds regular meetings with current and retired champions of the game and we are always committed to bolstering what is an already unrivalled suite of on-air talent to elevate the viewing experience for subscribers.
Carr (right) has broken his silence over the speculation confirming that the meeting with Fox representatives Patrick Delany and Steve Crawley took place
Carr said on the rumours that his team will ‘hopefully we will have some news to share when the time is right’
But some fans have questioned the potential career switch, noting that Martin has been reluctant to speak to the media during his distinguished career
‘In recent weeks Fox Footy has signed respected experts Shaun Burgoyne and Tom Hawkins who will play pivotal roles in our Super Saturday Live coverage next year.’
Martin is revered in the AFL as one of the greatest players to have graced the game in the last decade.
The inside midfielder helped spearhead the Tiger’s premiership wins in 2017, 2019 and 2020 and during his glittering career he would win four All-Australian blazers, the Leigh Matthews Trophy and be crowned a Brownlow Medallist in 2017.
Throughout his career, Martin has always been reluctant to appear in front of a camera or speak to the media.
While it is unclear as yet if Martin will end up working in broadcast media, some AFL pundits and fans online voiced their opinions on the speculation, asking if his potential new career move was the right option.
Speaking on SEN radio on Wednesday Cameron Mooney and Sam Edmund pointed out how camera-shy Martin has been in the past.
‘So the guy who spends his entire life as a footy recluse, shunning and hating the media, doing everything he can to avoid the media – which is ultimately his prerogative – but to turn around, if this story is accurate, and then consider making something of a living from that same footy media, I think is the most stupid thing I have read this year, maybe in multiple years,’ Edmund said.
‘I cannot get head my head around it. Could there be a greater case of sporting hypocrisy than if he was to do a show on Fox or join the commentary team… it can’t be true.
Social media users have voiced their opinions on Martin’s potential career switch
Martin had announced his retirement from professional footy in August, but had been linked with a shock comeback to join the Gold Coast Suns
‘If it’s not then forget everything I’ve said. But he is aware of the job description, isn’t he? If he is to go down this path he will have to speak.’
Mooney, though, was hopeful Martin could prove his doubters wrong.
‘We don’t know exactly what it is,’ he said. ‘It’s probably more of a specials [special comments role]. Maybe he’s been saying: “I’ve just been waiting and waiting and then I’m just going to come out and go bang, and I’m going to be the most talkative man on TV”. They’re going to have to come out and explain exactly what this role may entail.’
Mooney then joked with tongue in cheek: ‘I can’t wait for him to come out and make all of you eat your words when he comes out and nails the first interview with a player. I’m telling you, this is the Dusty we’ve all been waiting for.’
But some fans on X claimed the potential career switch ‘will be a disaster’.
‘The guy barely spoke through his playing career and now wants to commentate,’ another said, adding a ‘thinking emoji’.
‘Does he realise he will have to speak and stuff?’ another asked.
‘How will he juggle this and playing for the GC [Gold Coast]’ one fan tongue-in-cheek asked former AFL player David Schwarz.
‘If Dustin Martin turns out to be ok-to-good in this role, it’d be the biggest shock/surprise in the recorded history of humanity.’ another X user wrote.
Speculation had also arisen that Martin could reignite his playing career by joining up with former coach Damien Hardwick on the Gold Coast.
But the 33-year-old appeared to pour cold water on that speculation, telling reporters at Richmond’s best-and-fairest awards he was ‘happily retired’.
