20-05-2025
Richmond legend Dustin Martin tipped to make ‘big-name return' later this year
Richmond legend Dustin Martin is being tipped to return to footy later this year.
Martin was spotted in the Tigers' rooms ahead of the clash against North Melbourne on Sunday in a rare appearance around his old club.
The three-time premiership great called time on his 302-game career late last season before he was constantly linked to continuing his career at Gold Coast.
That ultimately never eventuated, and he drifted out of the public eye.
But Channel 7's Caroline Wilson is expecting the triple Norm Smith medallist to return in some form later this year, although it's unlikely to be an AFL return.
'Don't rule out a Dustin Martin footy return sometime in the future,' Kane Cornes said to Wilson on The Agenda Setters.
'That is a very accurate statement by you, Kane,' Wilson replied.
'Dustin Martin was in the Richmond rooms before the North 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.'
Martin's AFL career will go down as one of the greatest ever.
As well as playing 302 games for the Tigers, he won nearly everything there is to win in footy, including three premierships, three Norm Smith Medals and a Brownlow Medal.
He endured an injury-plagued end to his career at Richmond.
After an emotional 300th game against Hawthorn, Martin was subbed out in his next match against Carlton.
He missed a month of football before returning for one final game against North Melbourne in Round 21.
The Tigers lost that match and then two days later, Martin announced his immediate retirement.
He returned to the MCG for the Tigers' final match of the season to officially bid farewell to fans.
The media-shy superstar never spoke publicly after his retirement announcement, but fought back tears when chatting to former teammate Jack Riewoldt as he expressed his love to the fans.
'Pretty emotional and it's pretty surreal. It feels a little bit weird,' he said.
'I think after today it will really sink in. As everyone knows, I love the club, I love you all so much. I'm going to miss the place so much, just so grateful to be a Tiger.'
'As I said, I love you all so much, I've been so loved and supported. Thank you for everything,' he added.
