Dustin Martin edges closer to a surprise footy return as Richmond great proves he's still fit enough to play AFL in his latest career move

Dustin Martin could make a surprise footy return next season after reports have emerged that the Richmond Tigers legend may be set to feature in a one-off footy match in the Northern Territory.

It comes after the 34-year-old, who retired in 2024, stunned fans with his latest career move, showing off his muscles in an advertisement for Trademark Skin Care.

Martin took to Instagram to flex his muscles and lather himself up with the new skin care product in a new advert.

‘Some people play the game, others change it,’ the advertisement said.

Martin, meanwhile, who was seen at his former team-mate Daniel Rioli’s wedding to DJ Paris Lawrence at Byron Bay earlier this month, added a caption to the video.

‘Proud to announce my newest partnership @trademarkskincare now available for preorder,’ he wrote.

‘Clinically proven men’s skincare. Formulated by women. Powered by plant stem cell technology.’

Since his retirement last year, rumours have been bubbling that the 34-year-old midfielder could make a shock U-turn on his decision to hang up his boots and return to play top-level footy with an AFL club.

After his former Tigers coach Damien Hardwick joined up with the Gold Coast Suns, there was much talk that Martin could opt in for another short-term contract and follow the premiership-winning coach to Queensland.

But the three-time premiership winner could be set to join Northern Territory Football League club St Mary’s for a one-off game next season, according to Northern Territory News.

‘It’s early stage, we are trying to lock in a date that works with his schedule,’ St Mary’s coach Anthony Vallejo said.

Speculation about the move has been bubbling for a few weeks, with the 2017 Brownlow Medallist set to follow other greats like Willie Rioli and Dane Swan to make the trip up to the Northern Territory for an exhibition match.

Martin has also been linked with a move into the media, with the three-time Norm Smith medallist being pictured sitting down for coffee with Fox Sports boss Steve Crawley and Foxtel CEO Patrick Delaney at the start of the season.

Jack Riewoldt was also present during the meeting, with the former Tigers star later revealing that Martin could ‘bob’ up on TV sometime soon.

Martin enjoyed a glittering career in footy's top flight, making 302 appearances for Richmond while scoring 338 goals. 

A potential move into television raised eyebrows among many footy fans, with Martin known to have shied away from media duties during his career. 

The news also comes after the footy star placed his luxury beachside Port Melbourne apartment on the market. 

Martin bought the property in 2021 for $1.7million. 

It is unclear where the Tigers great may be moving to, but he will likely be frequenting Melbourne's Docklands more regularly in the future, having also recently been unveiled as an ambassador for luxury car dealership, Cavalo Prestige.