Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.

The Dustin Martin comeback has been confirmed, with the Richmond Tigers legend set to return to competitive football on May 2 for the Port Douglas Crocs in Cairns. The three time AFL premiership winner will play his first game since retiring at the end of the 2024 AFL season, when Port Douglas hosts the South Cairns Cutters at the Port Douglas Sporting Complex. The appearance is expected to draw strong local interest and highlights the growing trend of former AFL players returning to community football.

Martin, who played 302 games for Richmond Tigers in the AFL, steps back onto the field less than a year after calling time on a decorated career. His return comes outside the AFL system, but still carries attention given his status as one of the competition’s most accomplished modern players.

Return to the field in Cairns

From early indications around the club, preparations for the match have already generated momentum in the region. Local supporters are expected to fill the Port Douglas Sporting Complex, with interest building since the announcement of Martin’s involvement.

Port Douglas Crocs president Matty Laskey said the signing is a major moment for the club and the community.

“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,” Laskey said.

Martin’s return follows reports that he had been training and maintaining strong fitness since retiring from the AFL. Former Richmond Tigers official Tony Singarella confirmed he reached out after hearing Martin may be open to playing again.

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

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

AFL legacy and career achievements

Martin’s record in the AFL places him among the most successful players of his era. During his time with Richmond Tigers, he won three AFL premierships and claimed three Norm Smith Medals, awarded to the best player in the Grand Final. He also secured the Brownlow Medal, recognising him as the league’s best and fairest player.

Across his 302 AFL appearances, Martin was known for his ability to influence games through contested possessions and forward pressure. His performances in finals, particularly during Richmond’s premiership runs, often shifted momentum at key stages.

According to official AFL records, Martin remains the only player to win three Norm Smith Medals, underlining his impact on the biggest stage of the season.

Growing trend of AFL stars in local football

Martin is not the only high profile AFL name to return to community level football in recent years. Lance Franklin recently confirmed he will play for the Dowerin Tigers in Western Australia, while Gary Ablett and Dane Swan have also appeared in matches in Cairns.

These appearances often bring increased attention to regional leagues, with larger crowds and wider media coverage. For local players, the chance to share the field with former AFL talent provides a rare experience and raises the standard of competition.

The upcoming match between Port Douglas Crocs and South Cairns Cutters is expected to follow that pattern, with anticipation building ahead of the May fixture.

Emotional AFL farewell still recent

Martin has largely stayed out of the public spotlight since announcing his retirement in 2024. His final appearance for Richmond Tigers was marked by an emotional farewell, where he acknowledged the club and its supporters.

Speaking after his last AFL game, Martin said the moment felt surreal as he prepared to step away from the sport at the highest level.

The decision to return, even at local level, suggests his connection to football remains strong. While this appearance is not a full time comeback to the AFL, it offers fans another chance to see one of the game’s most influential players back on the field.

For Port Douglas Crocs, the match represents more than just a fixture. It is a chance to host a player whose AFL career helped define an era, and to bring wider attention to football in Far North Queensland.