Damien Hardwick Fuels Rumors of Dustin Martin Joining Gold Coast Suns

Gold Coast Suns coach Damien Hardwick has intensified speculation about Dustin Martin potentially joining the Suns, stating that it would be "crazy" not to explore the possibility. This comes amid reports and comments from AFL legends and a significant injury to Suns captain Jarrod Witts.

Key Points

• Coach: Damien Hardwick

• Player: Dustin Martin

• Current Team: Richmond Tigers

• Rumored Move: Gold Coast Suns

• Captain Injury: Jarrod Witts out with a vertebrae fracture

Hardwick's Statement

Hardwick confirmed that the Suns would consider Martin, who is out of contract at the end of the season.

"Dustin's a contracted player at Richmond. That’s obviously for Dustin to decide and Richmond to work their way through. He’s a really, really good player, there’s no doubt about that, and every single club would be crazy if they didn’t sit there and at some stage make an assessment."

Player and Team Updates

Dustin Martin

• Age: 33

• Current Status: Out of contract at the end of this season

• Recent Performance: Subbed out of last Sunday's game against Carlton with a back issue

• Speculation: Could join Gold Coast Suns under former coach Hardwick

Jarrod Witts

• Injury: Fractured vertebrae

• Incident: Collision with Collingwood's Darcy Moore

• Expected Absence: "A couple of weeks"

• Replacement: Ned Moyle, who had a strong performance in the VFL

AFL Legends' Opinions

• David Schwarz: Believes Martin is "100 percent" going to join the Suns in 2025.

• Leigh Matthews: Surprised that Gold Coast would consider Martin at this stage of his career.

Gold Coast Suns' Perspective

Hardwick, who shares a close bond with Martin, along with other former Richmond staff members at the Suns, could influence Martin's decision. This includes Shaun Grigg and Alex Rance, both of whom have roles at the Suns.

Club and Manager Statements

Richmond officials have expressed a desire for Martin to stay with the club. His manager, Ralph Carr, mentioned that several clubs have shown interest in Martin's plans for 2025, but no decision will be made until the end of the year.

Jarrod Witts' Courage

Hardwick praised Witts' bravery for attempting to play through his injury.

"It’s incredibly brave (of Witts). He went off, had some help from the doctors to get back on the field, wanted to get back on and we’re going to miss him in the short term."

The possibility of Dustin Martin joining the Gold Coast Suns remains uncertain but highly speculated. Meanwhile, the Suns will have to navigate the next few weeks without their captain, Jarrod Witts. Hardwick's comments and the team's recent challenges will be closely watched as the season progresses.