David Schwarz remains bullish as Dustin Martin to Gold Coast looms likely

David Schwarz has taken somewhat of a victory lap regarding his bold claim that Dustin Martin will play for Gold Coast in 2025.

Schwarz told SEN WA Breakfast in early July that “100 per cent Dustin Martin will be playing at the Gold Coast next year on a two-year contract.”

Shortly following his statement, Dustin Martin publicly announced his retirement from AFL, seemingly squashing all talk that Dusty would be shifting north to resume his career.

In response to Dusty’s decision, Schwarz doubled down, claiming on SEN’s The Captain’s Run that he was “still very confident” that Martin would wind up at the Suns, stating “just sit back, hop on the banana lounge, grab a pina colada and wait and see what happens.”

Just a number of days ago, it was confirmed that Dustin Martin had met with former coach and current Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick about a potential return to football, with the club’s CEO confirming that they were still in contact with Martin.

Now, Tom Morris has confirmed that the move to the Suns “has been pushed by the Dusty camp.”

In light of the rising controversy regarding the superstar, Schwarz has tripled down on his initial statement.

“From a footballer’s point of view, sitting back and watching, I think it’s great for the game,” Schwarz told SEN WA Breakfast.

“I know his best footy is well and truly past him, but he could bring five thousand people through the gates each game.

“You know he’s going to play seven to 10 games, he’s a marketing dream for the Gold Coast Suns.

“He’s got a great relationship with ‘Dimma’ (Damien Hardwick) and Shaun Grigg and the other people up there.

“I thought that they might have been able to do a deal where Richmond would get a little bit of compensation.

“That still may happen, I don’t know how all the trading stuff works.

“I will be super surprised if he does not play there, super super surprised.”

Schwarz also believes that Martin’s experience will render him a great leader for the young Gold Coast side, further pushing the notion that a deal would be very beneficial for the Suns.

“He is not the chopstick ratbag that we knew when he first started,” he continued.

“He is a bonafide, very very good trainer, good leader.

“I think he could give some great wisdom to some of the young players.”

With the trade period fast approaching, there remains no confirmation as to whether the deal will take place, despite the Melbourne legend’s continued confidence.

Martin would join as an unrestricted free agent.