- Stepped away from decorated first grade career in 2024
Former Richmond premiership-winning star Dustin Martin has finally completed his return to footy, lining up for the most unimaginable club in a victorious first hitout.
Martin, who retired from the AFL in 2024, was linked to a number of clubs before walking away from the game as a three-time grand final winner and three-time Norm Smith Medal winner.
There were plenty of clubs linked to the 34-year-old, including the Sydney Swans and Gold Coast Suns, but he has stayed quiet in retirement and kept the boots hanging where he left them.
That was until today, when he made his club footy debut for the Port Douglas Crocs in the Cairns competition in far north Queensland.
It was an unlikely place for the notoriously reclusive superstar to pop up, but thousands turned out to watch him play at their local ground against the South Cairns Cutters.
Martin showed glimpses of his best touch as well, helping lead his new side to a commanding 16.11 (107) to 9.6 (60) win.
Dustin Martin played a one-off game for the Port Douglas Crocs in the Cairns competition on Saturday
It was the first time the 34-year-old had been spotted on a footy field since he retired from the AFL in 2024
Martin looked fit and got involved early to help his new side to a big victory over local rivals South Cairns
While Martin himself has shunned the spotlight, his former AFL coach told News Corp that he loved his time up in far north Queensland.
‘He texted me last night (saying) ‘local footy’s the best’,’ Hardwick said.
‘It’s great for the crowd to see. This guy’s a wonderful player and he brings a lot of people in.’
While the appearance at Port Douglas Sports Complex was a one-off, Crocs coach Brad Cooper said Dusty had immersed himself in the club during the wee.
This is a huge day for the club and for our community and we very much appreciate Dusty’s contributions,’ he told News Corp.
‘It’s created a real buzz around the town and for us as a club his presence has created a finals-like atmosphere for the game.
‘He trained with our juniors on Thursday and gave them an experience they will never forget and it’s the same for our players who will run out with him today.
‘You can’t put a price tag on the exposure he has brought, it’s a huge boost for the region and we get to showcase how and where we live to a national audience.’
Martin had been linked to an AFL return with Sydney or the Gold Coast but elected to remain retired
Martin did not do media appearances, but spent plenty of time with the local community and players
Martin was happy to sign autographs and chat with everyone involved with the regional club
Crocs club legend Kye Chapple, who has kicked more than 900 goals for the club, said it was a career highlight to play with Dusty.
‘It’s been unreal, I rocked up to training early on Thursday and he was already out there training with the juniors and he stayed around after training and had dinner with us and was one of the last people to leave,’ he said.
‘He’s a very humble bloke, I had a couple of chats with him and he’s just someone who loves his footy.
‘It’s huge for the town, I just got down here at the third quarter of the women’s game and there’s already 1000 people here when normally there’d only be a few dozen so by the time we run out the crowd will be massive.
‘He’s one of the best players to have played the game and probably the best finals footy player so it’s going to be a real privilege to play with him.’
