Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick has done little to hose off speculation the Suns are interested in acquiring Dustin Martin. Although being firm in the fact the three-time Norm Smith medallist was a âcontracted playerâ at Richmond, Hardwick said clubs would be crazy to not assess Martinâs availability. Including his own.
In a surprising turn of events, Gold Coast Suns coach Damien Hardwick has added fuel to the fire surrounding Dustin Martinâs potential move to the Suns. Despite Martinâs status as a âcontracted playerâ at Richmond, Hardwick emphasized that clubs should evaluate the possibility of acquiring the three-time Norm Smith medallist. The 2017 Brownlow medallist, who played a pivotal role in Richmondâs three premierships, could be a game-changer for any team.
Assessing Martinâs Availability
âDustinâs a really, really good player, thereâs no doubt about that,â Hardwick stated. âEvery single club would be crazy if they didnât sit down and at some stage make an assessment. Like 17 other clubs, weâre always looking for good players. Gold Coast is no different.â
The Suns have already embraced a Richmond flavor, with former Tiger Shaun Grigg joining the coaching staff last off-season. Additionally, Alex Rance contributes in a part-time role. However, the burning question remains: Could Dustin Martin reunite with his former coach on the sunny Gold Coast?
Wittsâ Courage and Emerging Talent
While the Suns contemplate their next moves, they face a significant loss in co-captain Jarrod Witts. Witts suffered a fractured vertebra late in the win over Collingwood, displaying incredible courage as he fought to stay on the field. Hardwick praised Wittsâ bravery, emphasizing the need to give opportunities to emerging players like Ned Moyle.
As the trade season approaches, all eyes are on Dustin Martin and the potential reunion that could reshape the AFL landscape. Stay tuned for further developments.
