Richmond legend Dustin Martin confirms long-awaited footy comeback for Port Douglas Crocs

Richmond triple premiership hero Dustin Martin will play his first competitive game since his retirement later this year.

The modern-day great will suit up for the Port Douglas Crocs on May 2.

It will be the three-time Norm Smith medallist’s first time playing since his last game of AFL in 2024.

The Crocs will host the South Cairns Cutters at the Port Douglas Sporting Complex for the match in what is certain to attract a bumper crowd.

“To have a player of that calibre pull on a Crocs guernsey is something truly special it will bring the community together and showcase our local football on a big stage,” Port Douglas president Matty Laskey said.

Reports have also emerged that former Tigers match day board man Tony Singarella played a part in Martin’s recruitment.

“I had heard he may have been interested in playing footy again and had been training and got really fit,” he told News Corp.

“I reached out and he knew my connection with Port Douglas and was comfortable with me and the club.

“The fact that his good friend and captain Trent Cotchin had played at the Crocs two seasons ago and had enjoyed it and was well looked after was a factor.”

Martin will become the latest superstar to suit up for a local team after Lance Franklin recently confirmed his comeback for his junior club Dowerin Tigers in WA.

Fellow retired superstars Gary Ablett and Dane Swan have also played matches in Cairns in recent years.

Martin, who retired at the end of 2024, will go down as one of the greatest players in AFL history.

As well as playing 302 games for the Tigers, he won nearly everything there is to win in footy, including three premierships, three Norm Smith Medals and a Brownlow Medal.

The media-shy superstar never spoke publicly after his retirement announcement, but fought back tears when chatting to former teammate Jack Riewoldt as he farewelled fans following the final game of the 2024 season.

“Pretty emotional and it’s pretty surreal. It feels a little bit weird,” he said.

“I think after today it will really sink in. As everyone knows, I love the club, I love you all so much. I’m going to miss the place so much, just so grateful to be a Tiger.”

“As I said, I love you all so much, I’ve been so loved and supported. Thank you for everything.”