Rumours related to the future of star Richmond player Dustin Martin surfaced once again following the sudden departure of head coach Damien Hardwick, but his caretaker coach has shut down any speculation of the sort.
Hardwick farewelled the club last week after serving over 10 years, leading them to three premierships. The former head coach explained his reason for stepping down was due to a loss of energy, with his departure leaving assistant coach Andrew McQualter as interim until Richmond finds a full-time replacement.
Amid the shock departure, rumours surrounding Martin's future at the club have once again risen, despite Martin being contracted to Punt Road until the end of 2024, with some doubting he will stay that long.
Last season Martin was heavily in the spotlight. He played a total of nine games before taking personal leave early in the season due to the death of his father, which sparked questions that Martin could potentially move interstate to be closer to his family. During this time rumours emerged about links with the SydneySwans and interest from Gold Coast, which Hardwick actively fought to shut down.
Following Hardwick's departure, four-time premiership Hawthorn player Jordan Lewis claimed he didn't think Martin would be at Richmond next season when speaking on RSN Breakfast earlier this week.
"I think he'll play elsewhere … Interstate, either Sydney or Queensland," Lewis said.
Similarly, Kane Cornes said on SEN Breakfast that the decision to move clubs would be up to the star forward.
"It's his call. I don't think it's Richmond's call," Cornes said.
"If he goes to the club and says ‘this is what I want to do' – like Damien Hardwick and their ability to let him stand down, with what he's contributed to the club, he's going to be a legend in the Hall Of Fame – he goes with their blessing."
The three-time premiership player is one of the most influential stars in the league and is a prized asset for the club, making history after he received three Norm Smith Medals in 2017, 2019 and 2020.
Despite the numerous rumours, McQualter addressed Martin's future on Friday, claiming the Richmond star is fully invested in the club.
“It's almost been three years in a row. We're about the same time of the year where the chat about Dustin comes," McQualter said.
"Dustin's in a terrific spot at the moment. He's as invested as you could ever imagine in our footy club.
"He's happy, he's having a great time playing footy and he's playing great footy for us as well.”
Sunday's match against GWS will be Martin's 280th game in the yellow and black since making his debut in 2010.
