- Martin, 33, retired last season as a Richmond Tigers great
- Had been tipped to play on with the Gold Coast Suns
AFL legend Dustin Martin is reportedly expected to make a shock return to footy following his recent appearance in the MCG sheds before a Richmond game.
Martin, 33, retired last season following a career few can match.
The midfielder’s CV makes for staggering reading – premierships in 2017, 2019 and 2020 with the Tigers, three Norm Smith medals from the Grand Finals as well as a Brownlow Medal in 2017.
‘Dusty’ has kept a low profile since hanging up his boots – but footy identities Kane Cornes and Caroline Wilson are both convinced that will soon change.
‘Don’t rule out a Dustin Martin footy return sometime in the future,’ Cornes said to Wilson on Channel 7’s The Agenda Setters.
‘That is a very accurate statement by you, Kane,’ Wilson responded.
AFL legend Dustin Martin is reportedly expected to make a shock return to footy (pictured, in South Yarra in Melbourne)
It follows Martin’s recent appearance (pictured right) in the MCG sheds before a Richmond game against North Melbourne
Footy identities Caroline Wilson and Kane Cornes (both pictured, from left) are both convinced Martin will return to the AFL in some capacity this season
‘Dustin Martin was in the Richmond rooms before the (recent) North (Melbourne) game. He looked pretty good, saying ‘g’day’ to his old teammates.
‘I’m not saying AFL return, but there will be a big-name return later this year.’
Cornes added: ‘Watch this space.’
While he was unable to inspire the Tigers to a win against the Kangaroos, the sight of Martin in the sheds warmed the hearts of many footy fans.
The famously reclusive Martin shook hands with former teammate Tom Lynch – and last month he was spotted in Western Australia, stepping out for lunch with fellow Richmond great Jack Riewoldt.
Martin made his AFL debut for the Tigers in 2010 – and retired a generational talent.
In 302 appearances, Martin booted 338 goals.
He will go down in history as possibly Richmond’s greatest ever player, alongside the likes of Kevin Bartlett, Jack Dyer and Francis Bourke.
Martin was linked to the Gold Coast Suns at the twilight of his career to play under former coach Damien Hardwick, but the move never materialised.
