Richmond legend Dustin Martin appears unlikely to continue his career at the Gold Coast after making a rare public comment to the media on Tuesday night.
Martin announced his immediate retirement in a snap media release in August, bringing an end to his glittering 302-game career.
The 33-year-old three-time Norm Smith medallist had previously been linked to a move to the Suns and the speculation was reignited last month when he reached out to key Gold Coast officials.
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But those talks appear dead and buried now.
Martin was asked point-blank if he would be continuing his career at the Suns when he arrived at the Tigers best and fairest on Tuesday.
“Happily retired,” he told Channel 9.
Despite the constant media speculation, former teammate Trent Cotchin always doubted a move would happen.
“I’ve moved even closer to the zero per cent. I’m going to say not even 0.1 per cent of a chance,” he said on Talking Footy last week.
Arguably the biggest of big-game players, Martin won the Norm Smith Medal in all three premierships during the Tigers’ era of dominance from 2017-20.
He played 278 of his 302 games at Richmond under Hardwick, who just completed his first season in charge at the Suns.
Martin 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.