'It would be terribly sad': Richmond legend called out as Dusty grilled over Suns rumour

Caroline Wilson fears retired Richmond champion Dustin Martin has been let off easy for reportedly entering discussions to come out of retirement and move to the Gold Coast Suns, in a move feared to be riddled with red flags.

Martin retired immediately at the end of the season after Richmond finished last, with speculation rife throughout the year that he could reunite with former Tigers coach and current Suns leader, Damien Hardwick.

The Suns then confirmed Martin's interest in returning to the sport, which would mean he would leave behind one of the greatest one-club legacies in the modern era, spanning over 300 games, three premierships, three Norm Smith medals and a Brownlow.

READ MORE: How one golfer earned over $1 billion in 12 months

READ MORE: Gal: The Sharks players who've let Hynes down

READ MORE: Staggering accusation as AFL slammed over Hinkley saga

Now, Wilson has called out one Richmond champion, former forward Matthew Richardson, who she believes was too soft on a potential Martin move.

"Everybody is suddenly being very understanding about this latest move from the recently retired champ," Wilson said on Nine's Footy Classified on Monday night.

Richardson was accepting of the possibility of a Martin move, which would mean he would not leave the game as a one-club champion.

"When I sit back and look at it, without my Richmond beanie on, I go, 'Dustin Martin has given everything to the Richmond footy club'," Richardson said on 3AW radio on the weekend.

"You only get to play footy once. If he thinks he can get motivated and he can get himself to a level, to get back to playing good footy, then good luck to him."

Wilson disagreed with Richardson's take, fearful that Richmond fans will feel betrayed considering Martin's evident lack of interest and injury issues during his final season.

"Matthew, I think you're being far too generous. After all, how galling would it be for the Tigers faithful, if Dusty's suddenly found the form and the hunger that so deserted him, in this, his final million-dollar-plus year?" she said.

"After all those emotional farewells as well."

But Wilson's biggest red flag surrounding the possible Martin move is something completely different.

"Think about the response from the Gold Coast Suns since this story first broke," she said.

"It was Dustin who first approached the Gold Coast Suns to go there a year ago. The next approach ... to Damien Hardwick, also came from Dustin Martin and not the other way around.

"The club wants to meet Dustin Martin to gauge his suitability to come to the Gold Coast Suns.

"Dustin, is this really the way you want to go out? Is this really the club you want to end your great career (at)?"

Matthew Lloyd echoed Wilson's concerns.

"I wouldn't (sign Martin), if I'm the Gold Coast Suns. I'd be thinking, '34 years of age, we've got to move past that. We've tried Gary Ablett back in the day (to help win a flag), the big name didn't work for us'," Lloyd said.

"Dusty is even older than that (Ablett). I wouldn't do it."

"What a way to end a great career. It's just so sad. It would be terribly sad," Wilson agreed.

"If you can be a one-club player when you've had a great career, why wouldn't you be?"