Dustin Martin's future post-AFL continues to captivate the footy world, and the 33-year-old's latest public appearance has only added fuel to the fire.
A photograph showing the Richmond superstar meeting with key Foxtel and Fox Sports executives has ignited widespread speculation that Martin could be set for a career shift into the media, possibly with Fox Footy.
The image, taken in South Melbourne earlier this week, features Martin having a coffee with Foxtel boss Patrick Delany, Fox Sports managing director Steve Crawley, former teammate and Fox Footy commentator Jack Riewoldt, and his manager Ralph Carr. The casual coffee meeting quickly went viral, sending the rumour mill into overdrive.
The timing of the meeting has raised eyebrows, particularly following Martin's retirement announcement in August after 302 games with Richmond.
While many had speculated that Martin might rejoin the AFL, potentially linking up with former Tigers coach Damien Hardwick at the Gold Coast Suns, the three-time Norm Smith Medallist shot down those rumours during Richmond's Best and Fairest event in early October, where he stated he was “happily retired.”
However, this latest development has shifted the focus to a potential move into broadcasting, with many wondering if Martin could join the commentary team at Fox Footy as the network gears up for a landmark rights deal starting in 2025.
The speculation surrounding Martin's next move is particularly intriguing given his notorious avoidance of the media during his playing days. Martin, who is renowned for his quiet, reserved nature, has rarely engaged with the media, giving only a handful of interviews throughout his career.
His decision to meet with media powerbrokers has left many questioning whether he is ready to break his long-standing silence and enter the world of footy commentary.
AFL pundits have had mixed reactions to the possibility.
On SEN radio, Sam Edmund and Cameron Mooney expressed scepticism, with Edmund calling the suggestion “stupid,” given Martin's reputation as a media recluse.
"Could there be a greater case of sporting hypocrisy than if he was to do a show on Fox or join the commentary team?" Edmund mused.
"I cannot get my head around it."
Mooney was more open to the idea, suggesting Martin could be considering a special comments role.
“Maybe he's been saying, ‘I've just been waiting and waiting, and then I'm just going to come out and go bang,'” Mooney said.
“They're going to have to come out and explain exactly what this role may entail.”
Fox Footy has been making major moves in the media space, poaching high-profile figures like Shaun Burgoyne from Channel 7 and Tom Hawkins from the AFL after both players retired.
The addition of a high-profile figure like Martin would undoubtedly boost Fox's already impressive line-up, with the network looking to increase its influence in the media landscape ahead of the new AFL broadcasting rights deal.
On 3AW, Jacqui Felgate and Andy Maher also weighed in, with Felgate expressing curiosity about how Martin would fare in front of the camera. "The bloke has said about 30 words in his entire career," she said.
"I would absolutely listen… because I've never heard him speak much. He's essentially a shy person."
Maher, however, floated the possibility that the meeting could signal something other than a commentary role, suggesting a documentary or a special program might be in the works instead.
"If Dusty has been sitting on this communication talent throughout his magnificent career and hasn't wanted to share it with us, then this would be the biggest coup of all time," Maher said.
Despite the uncertainty, one thing is clear: Martin's next move is sure to make waves in the AFL world, whether it's a surprise entry into the media or a different kind of career shift. As always, Dusty remains a mystery - one that continues to keep footy fans enthralled.
Fox Footy have released an official statement in the aftermath of this media storm:
"We are aware of speculation surrounding Dustin Martin and Ralph Carr attending a recent meeting with Foxtel Group CEO Patrick Delany, Fox Sports Managing Director Steve Crawley and Fox Footy expert Jack Riewoldt," the statement reads.
"Whilst we can confirm this meeting took place, we are not yet in a position to comment further.
"Fox Footy holds regular meetings with current and retired champions of the game and we are always committed to bolstering what is an already unrivalled suite of on-air talent to elevate the viewing experience for subscribers.
"In recent weeks Fox Footy has signed respected experts Shaun Burgoyne and Tom Hawkins who will play pivotal roles in our Super Saturday Live coverage next year.
"The 2025 Toyota AFL season will be our biggest ever with bespoke commentary for every game, no ad-breaks during play and every match of the season available in 4K on Kayo Sports and Foxtel."