Gold Coast Suns coach Damien Hardwick has done little to quash rumours around Dustin Martin joining the club as the AFL world awaits his contract call.
With Martin out of contract at the end of this season, a reunion with his premiership coach has been romanticised ever since Hardwick was hired by the Suns.
On Tuesday, the speculation around that ramped up when Melbourne great David Schwarz declared “it’s done” on SEN.
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Hardwick then added fuel to the fire on Wednesday, stating clubs would be “crazy” not to consider the 33-year-old.
Dustin Martin and Damien Hardwick celebrate the 2020 grand final win. via Getty Images
“Dustin’s a contracted player at Richmond. That’s obviously for Dustin to decide and Richmond to work their way through,” he said.
“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.
“Like 17 other clubs, we’re always looking for good players.
“Gold Coast is no different. Those list management calls will get made at the back end of the year.”
Under Hardwick the Suns have shown improvement, currently sitting 11th on the ladder and two points outside the top eight. Last year they finished 15th.
Hardwick’s men will be a big chance of putting more pressure on the eight when they play last-placed North Melbourne on Saturday.
Richmond on the other hand currently sit 17th and play Fremantle on the same day. Whether Martin plays remains to be seen after he was subbed out with a back complaint during last week’s loss to Carlton.