Caroline Wilson is concerned that retired Richmond star Dustin Martin is being treated too leniently for reportedly engaging in talks about coming out of retirement to join the Gold Coast Suns, a move seen as potentially problematic. Martin retired at the end of the season after Richmond finished last, amid speculation he might reunite with former Tigers coach and current Suns head, Damien Hardwick. The Suns later confirmed Martin’s interest in returning to the game, which would mean leaving behind his legendary one-club career of over 300 games, three premierships, three Norm Smith medals, and a Brownlow.
Wilson criticized former Richmond forward Matthew Richardson, whom she felt was too lenient on the idea of Martin leaving. On Nine’s *Footy Classified*, she noted, “Everyone seems to be very understanding of this move from the recently retired champion.”
Richardson had expressed support for Martin’s decision, stating on 3AW radio that, “Dustin Martin has given everything to Richmond. If he feels motivated to return and can get back to playing at a high level, then good luck to him.” However, Wilson disagreed, worrying that Richmond fans might feel betrayed, especially given Martin’s lack of interest and injury struggles in his final season.
Caroline Wilson believes Matthew Richardson is being too lenient on Martin. She commented, “Matthew, I think you’re being far too generous. Imagine how frustrating it would be for Tigers fans if Dusty suddenly regained the form and motivation that were missing in his final season, especially considering his million-dollar-plus contract.”
She also pointed out the emotional farewells that were made at the time of Martin’s retirement.
However, Wilson’s main concern about Martin’s potential move to the Suns is something else entirely. “Consider the response from the Gold Coast Suns since this story first came out,” she said.
Caroline Wilson shared that Dustin Martin was the one who initially reached out to the Gold Coast Suns a year ago, and his next approach to Damien Hardwick also came from him, not the other way around. The club now wants to meet Martin to assess if he’s a good fit for the Suns.
Wilson questioned Martin’s decision, asking, “Dustin, is this really how you want to end your great career? Is this the club you want to finish with?”
Matthew Lloyd agreed with Wilson’s concerns, stating that if he were the Suns, he wouldn’t sign Martin. “At 34, it’s time to move forward. We’ve tried bringing in big names before, like Gary Ablett, and it didn’t work.”
Lloyd noted that Martin is even older than Ablett was at the time, adding, “I wouldn’t do it.” Wilson echoed his sentiment, saying, “What a way to end a great career—it’s just sad. It would be terribly sad.”
She concluded, “If you can finish your career as a one-club player after such a successful run, why wouldn’t you?”
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