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 “contracted player” at Richmond, Hardwick said clubs would be crazy to not assess Martin’s availability. Including his own.
In a surprising turn of events, Gold Coast Suns coach Damien Hardwick has added fuel to the fire surrounding Dustin Martin’s potential move to the Suns. Despite Martin’s status as a “contracted player” 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 Richmond’s three premierships, could be a game-changer for any team.
Assessing Martin’s Availability
“Dustin’s a really, really good player, there’s no doubt about that,” Hardwick stated. “Every single club would be crazy if they didn’t sit down and at some stage make an assessment. Like 17 other clubs, we’re always looking for good players. Gold Coast is no different.”
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?
Witts’ 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 Witts’ 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.
