Speculation surrounding Dustin Martin’s potential return to the AFL has intensified, especially following a significant trade involving the Gold Coast Suns. Rumors have long suggested that Martin might reverse his decision to retire and join the Suns, where he could reunite with his former coach, Damien Hardwick, with whom he achieved great success at the Tigers. Although Martin publicly announced his retirement shortly before the conclusion of the last season, his management has reportedly been in discussions with Suns officials about the possibility of him playing again in 2025.
Despite his earlier statements that he was “happily retired,” new developments in the trade market have reignited interest in Martin’s future. A notable trade involving Gold Coast, Collingwood, and Port Adelaide has left some speculating that the Suns are still attempting to persuade Martin to reconsider his retirement. As part of this complex trade, the Suns parted with players Jack Lukosius and Rory Atkins, acquiring Collingwood defender John Noble along with valuable draft picks for 2025. This maneuver has left the Suns with an open roster spot, which has led to conjecture that it could be reserved for Martin.
Prominent AFL reporter Tom Morris highlighted this intriguing possibility on a recent sports radio segment. He noted that the Suns’ trade activity has created an unexpected vacancy in their lineup, prompting speculation among fans and analysts alike. With the Suns striving to reshape their team, this open position might very well be seen as an opportunity for Martin, a notion that has generated both excitement and skepticism in the AFL community.
On the other hand, the trade has drawn criticism, particularly directed at Port Adelaide, which has been labeled the biggest loser in this deal. Former Power player Kane Cornes voiced his concerns, arguing that the trade for Dan Houston did not yield sufficient returns, essentially trading away a dual All-Australian player for draft picks that might not