Leigh Matthews grills Suns, Dustin Martin over 'really confusing' retirement backflip rumour

Footy icon Leigh Matthews can't understand why Gold Coast would entertain a deal for former superstar Dustin Martin.

Martin, 33, is one of the most accomplished players of the 21st century, having claimed three Norm Smith Medals in three Richmond premierships at the peak of his powers.

But while he is arguably the best big-game player the game has seen and was no doubt a genuine champion, his performances for the Tigers this year left a lot to be desired.

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The club last month announced Martin's retirement following weeks of speculation around his desire to keep playing.

But in a stunning twist, on Friday it was reported Martin may come out of retirement to join the Suns next season.

The Queensland club is coached by Martin's former premiership mentor Damien Hardwick, and the pair share a close bond.

It's also been speculated Gold Coast may be using Martin to help entice Tigers teammate Daniel Rioli to move north during the looming trade period.

"Can't work out what the motivation is here," Matthews told Nine's Footy Furnace.

"Do the Suns think he's a player - we know what he was - but is he the kind of player in 2025 that's going to make us better in our (starting) 22? That's a question.

"That aside, what does Dustin Martin want to keep playing for?

"I find the whole thing really confusing... someone suggested he was just filling in time at Richmond this year but I don't know, maybe I'm just being naive."

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Martin's passion to play football clearly waned in the past two years to the point he looked disinterested this season.

It was heavily rumoured he would quit immediately after his 300th game in June, but he did play a couple more before calling it quits.

It's believed any Suns deal would amount to $300,000 or less - more than $1 million less than he's previously earned for a season of football.

AFL great Jimmy Bartel believes the Suns think they can get value out of Martin at that price.

"On their terms potentially (it's a good deal)," Bartel told Footy Furnace.

"They've got to do something to shift the needle from being a side that constantly finishes 10th to 14th, and they might think Dusty can help move the needle.

"They want to be playing finals in the next year or two, I think we are all expecting that from the Gold Coast.

"They've got a lot of young players that they've got to actually keep at their club so they can play finals."

Martin would not be the first footy great to backflip on retirement.

Hawthorn legend Luke Hodge retired from the Hawks in 2017 and then shocked the AFL when he registered for the AFL draft.

He was picked up by Brisbane and played two seasons for the Lions before hanging up the boots again.