Richmond champion Jack Riewoldt has poured cold water over the rumours that Tigers legend and former teammate Dustin Martin will do a retirement backflip.
Martin has been heavily linked to the Gold Coast Suns in recent times, but Riewoldt, who played in three premierships alongside Martin at the Tigers, says a retirement backflip is becoming less likely.
It had been widely thought that the lure of playing under former coach Damien Hardwick was a big carrot for Martin.
Watch every game of the NAB AFL Women’s Premiership Season LIVE with no ad-breaks during play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today >
IMAGINE WHAT YOU COULD BE BUYING INSTEAD. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
“I don’t think (he’ll come out of retirement). I think it’s starting to get less likely,” Riewoldt said on AFL360.
“There’s a bit of a shift?” AFL360 co-host Gerard Whateley asked.
“It is and I’m not sure if the reports are right about Dustin reaching out to the Gold Coast. But certainly, there’s a relationship there with Damien Hardwick, Shaun Grigg’s there as well, a 2017 premiership player for the Tigers and one of Dustin’s best mates,” Riewoldt continued.
“There’s a romantic part about it that we’d see Martin and Hardwick combine again to potentially rise one of the new sides of the AFL to its first premiership, but I just can’t see it happening,” he said.
McQualter fronts media as Eagles coach | 13:16
Riewoldt believes the Suns have all the assets they need at their disposal to finally challenge for a spot in September and that pursuing Martin wasn’t a necessity.
“I think an adult conversation needs to be had to say they’ve got what they need at their football club to win it, it’s just going to take time under the tutelage of Damien Hardwick as well. You’ve got to think that they… I don’t think they would have been planning to get him,” he said.
“So, to get him in, it’s going to cost you still sort of $600,000 to $700,000. There’s the marketability side that comes with Dustin Martin as well too, but that is a big hole in the salary cap that you’ve got to find.
“At the moment I think the Suns are on a journey of growth from within. I’m saying no (he won’t come out of retirement).”
The AFL Trade Period begins on Monday October 7.
Discussion about this post