Dustin Martin’s announcement of his retirement marks not the end of a remarkable sports journey, but rather the beginning of an exciting new chapter in a different story centered around the Richmond superstar.
On Tuesday morning, Martin quietly arrived at the Tigers’ Punt Road facility, devoid of any fanfare or prior notice, to inform his teammates that he was hanging up his boots. Effective immediately.
There was no media frenzy, just a few prepared statements from both Martin and the club, and that was the extent of it.
However, the burning question for every footy fan remains: what lies ahead for him? Will he simply fade away into retirement, never to be seen again?
Some speculate that Martin’s retirement might be a diversion, paving the way for a reunion with his former coach Damien Hardwick at the Gold Coast Suns.
Months ago, Carlton legend Brendan Fevola predicted this outcome shortly after Martin’s 300th game.
‘My intel suggests he will retire after his 300th game,’ he stated on The Fox’s Fifi, Fev & Nick radio show in May.
‘He’ll express his gratitude to the Richmond fans after his milestone. Take a couple of months off, get fit, and clear his mind.’
Martin has the world at his feet and a number of different high-paying options available to him now that he has announced he’s played his last game of AFL footy
Martin is pictured signing autographs in 2014. Ten years later, he’s at a loose end after closing the door on his stellar playing career
‘His manager has been looking into properties on the Gold Coast for Dusty to relocate and rekindle his friendship with [Richmond premiership coach] Damien Hardwick, now at the Gold Coast Suns,’ Fevola added.
‘He’ll likely be offered a lucrative contract to move to the Gold Coast, play full-forward, and mentor those young players who have never experienced finals action before.’
This proposition indeed sounds appealing, and the Suns are certainly hoping it will materialize. However, it’s just one of several opportunities available.
Here are potential paths for Martin and where his future may lead.
1. He may return from retirement
Martin has achieved everything there is to achieve in the game, but could he be tempted to come out of retirement to help the battling Gold Coast Suns?
Retirement from footy is not necessarily a permanent decision; it’s not a legally binding contract and players can return if they choose to.
Shane Mumford serves as a recent example. The ‘Mummy’ initially retired after four seasons with the GWS Giants but returned in 2019 to assist the team in reaching the AFL grand final, continuing for another couple of seasons.
Luke Hodge provides a similar narrative. He achieved great success, winning four premierships with Hawthorn before retiring in 2017.
When the Brisbane Lions were in a reconstruction phase, they needed an experienced presence, and Hodge filled that role perfectly.
He came out of retirement to play limited games, being the veteran voice the team sorely required.
Martin could fulfill that role at the Gold Coast Suns, especially with Hardwick having ample time to persuade him.
Many analysts feel that the timing of Martin’s ‘retirement’ could serve to grant him a longer offseason to prepare his body for one last hurrah with the Suns.
If not at the top level, he may seek a return to lower-tier footy, away from the media spotlight.
Brent ‘Boomer’ Harvey recently celebrated his 500th senior game, while Fevola has announced his retirement multiple times but continues to show up for pre-season training with his amateur footy team each year.
2. He could transition into AFL commentary
Former teammate and good mate Jack Riewoldt (pictured left with Martin after a game this year) has already made the switch to the media
Martin is well connected, including being good mates with former footy star and commentator Rex Hunt (pictured together)
Networks like Fox Footy and Channel Seven are eager to have a superstar behind the microphone, and currently, Martin is the hottest name available.
It’s certain that lucrative offers are being drafted to bring Martin on board as a footy analyst.
His former teammate Jack Riewoldt has already transitioned, while Trent Cotchin attempted it, drawing laughter from Kane Cornes.
Some will argue that Martin’s quiet demeanor and hesitation to embrace the spotlight could hinder his potential as a commentator, while others believe his aversion to the media might prevent him from joining the ranks.
Yet, financial incentives could change that. Strange things have occurred in footy before.
3. He may venture into coaching
A reunion with former coach Damien Hardwick at the Gold Coast could be on the cards, possibly in an off-field role
This concept is certainly plausible. Perhaps Martin’s future lies with the Gold Coast Suns in a consultancy role, mentored by Hardwick, eventually transitioning to a head coach position.
This would reinforce his connections to the Suns and Hardwick while allowing him to remain off the field during games. He could find a balance between involvement and personal life.
Richmond would undoubtedly be inclined to offer him a long-term position. If he were interested in developing coaching skills or pursuing another non-playing role, Brendon Gale would certainly support the idea.
In fact, many AFL clubs would relish having him around during training for the unique presence he brings.
This route would allow Martin to control the narrative and choose his level of engagement with public appearances and media obligations.
It would keep him involved in footy, ensure a healthy bank balance, and provide lifelong job security.
4. He could choose to fade from the limelight
Martin’s manager Ralph Carr (pictured together) has ensured that his prized client is set for life with wise property investments made through his playing career
Martin and Carr own a raft of warehouse and factory space in Richmond worth millions
It’s entirely feasible that Martin has indeed stepped away for good. He might opt to retreat from public life and turn down any lucrative offers, preferring to embrace life on his own terms.
For a man known for his aversion to the spotlight, especially after the media exposure surrounding his father’s deportation and eventual death during the Covid lockdown, such a choice wouldn’t be surprising.
It’s hard to blame Dusty for wanting to avoid any cameras or interviews for the rest of his life.
After all, he’s financially secure for life.
His manager has strategically paved the way for this by helping Martin build a solid property portfolio.
Together, Martin and Carr formed Butler Property Group in 2016.
The business focuses on acquiring office and retail spaces in Richmond, where commercial real estate prices have surged as companies relocate from the CBD.
Martin’s and Carr’s investments include several warehouse-style buildings along Butler Street, encompassing nearly 900 square meters. Reports suggest he is on the lookout for additional properties on the Gold Coast.
He also purchased a renovated office structure on Victoria Street for $3 million in 2019 and co-owns a property in Abbotsford worth $4.8 million.
Additionally, Martin bought a luxury beachfront apartment in Port Melbourne for $1.7 million in 2021, featuring two bedrooms and breathtaking views of Port Phillip Bay.
Ultimately, he has the luxury of never having to work again, should he choose that path.
