Few AFL players have ever walked away from the game with a resume as decorated as Dustin Martin’s — and then quietly built an entirely new chapter. Three premierships, three Norm Smith Medals, and a Brownlow Medal mark the Richmond legend’s playing days, but what happens when the last siren sounds? Here’s what’s confirmed about Martin’s life after football, from a surprise return to Punt Road in June 2026 to a growing property empire worth over $12 million.
Current status: Retired from AFL in August 2024 ·
Games played: 302 for Richmond Tigers ·
Premierships: 3 (2017, 2019, 2020) ·
Norm Smith medals: 3 (most in history) ·
Brownlow Medal: 2017 ·
Return to club: Mentoring young players in 2026
Quick snapshot
- Retired August 2024 after 302 games (AFL.com.au)
- Returned to Richmond as a mentor June 2026 (AFL.com.au)
- Three Norm Smith Medals and three Premierships (AFL.com.au)
- Property portfolio worth over $12 million (realestate.com.au)
- Exact reason for retirement not officially detailed
- Current net worth remains an estimate
- Residential address and partner status not publicly confirmed
- Potential full-time coaching role remains unannounced
- Retired from AFL August 2024
- Low-profile period until June 2026
- Returned to Richmond as mentor in June 2026
- 2026: Trademark Skincare endorsement announced
- Ongoing mentoring role with Richmond developing young players
- Continued property investment and business partnerships
- Possible media or formal coaching transition
Nine career-defining entries, one pattern: Martin’s AFL journey spanned extremes of triumph and personal upheaval.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Dustin Martin |
| Date of birth | 26 June 1991 |
| Place of birth | Castlemaine, Victoria, Australia |
| Height | 187 cm (6 ft 2 in) |
| Weight | 88 kg (194 lb) |
| Position | Midfielder / forward |
| AFL debut | 2010 for Richmond |
| Retirement | August 2024 |
| Father’s background | Maori descent from New Zealand |
| Mother’s background | Australian |
What does Dustin Martin do now?
Return to Richmond as a mentor
After stepping away from the game in August 2024 following 302 appearances for the Richmond Football Club, Martin largely stayed out of the public eye for nearly two years. That changed in June 2026, when AFL.com.au reported the 34-year-old had returned to Punt Road to mentor the club’s younger players. The club had previously extended an open invitation for Martin to return in a coaching or mentoring capacity, Canberra Times sources indicated.
Martin’s return as a mentor gives Richmond access to one of the most accomplished midfielders in AFL history — at no pressure to commit to a full-time coaching role.
Business ventures and partnerships
Beyond the oval, Martin has steadily accumulated assets through Butler Corporation, a 50:50 joint venture with his manager Ralph Carr, according to realestate.com.au. The Butler Property Group, established in 2016, reportedly built a portfolio of commercial real estate in Melbourne’s Richmond and Abbotsford worth over $12 million by August 2024. In 2026, Martin also announced a partnership with Trademark Skincare via Instagram, adding an endorsement stream to his post-football income.
Martin has transitioned from elite athlete to landlord and brand partner — a diversified play that mirrors smart retirement planning common among top-tier AFL names.
Why did Dustin Martin retire?
AFL retirement timeline and reasons
Martin announced his retirement effective immediately on 6 August 2024, after Richmond’s round 21 match against North Melbourne. While the club and player did not publish a detailed explanation, reporting by AFL.com.au cited the physical toll of 15 seasons and a desire for a new chapter. The decision came mid-season, catching the football world largely off guard.
How much money does Dustin Martin have?
Career earnings and contracts
Martin signed multiple high-value contracts with Richmond, including a seven-year deal in 2017 worth an estimated $1.3 million per season. His total earnings from AFL playing contracts surpassed $15 million, according to AFL.com.au.
Net worth estimates
While no official net worth is public, realestate.com.au estimates his property portfolio alone exceeds $12 million. Combined with career earnings and endorsements, industry sources put his net worth between $20 million and $30 million.
Endorsement income
Martin has held major endorsement deals with Nike and, more recently, Trademark Skincare. The Trademark partnership was announced in 2026 via his Instagram.
Where does Dustin Martin live?
Residence during playing career
During his AFL career, Martin owned a home in Richmond, Melbourne, close to the club’s training base.
Current home location
After retirement, Martin has kept his residential address private. He is understood to maintain a property in the Melbourne area, but no exact location has been confirmed.
What ethnicity is Dustin Martin?
Parents’ background
Martin’s father, Shane, is of Maori descent from New Zealand. His mother, Kathy, is Australian of European descent. Dustin has spoken about his Maori heritage in interviews.
Cultural heritage
He identifies as having Maori ancestry and has shown respect for the culture through traditional tattoos and involvement in Maori community events.
Why did Dustin Martin’s dad get deported?
Background on Shane Martin
Shane Martin, Dustin’s father, was deported from Australia to New Zealand in 2016 after his visa was cancelled due to a criminal record. The details were reported by multiple news outlets, including the Canberra Times.
Deportation details
The deportation was related to a blackmail and assault conviction. Dustin has rarely commented publicly on the matter, maintaining a private stance.
Who is the highest paid Australian football player?
Top AFL earners list
As of 2026, the highest paid AFL player is Jeremy Cameron (Geelong), followed by players like Patrick Dangerfield and Marcus Bontempelli. Dustin Martin was among the top earners during his peak contract periods.
Dustin Martin’s ranking among highest paid
While not the highest paid at retirement, Martin consistently ranked in the top five earners from 2017 to 2024. His post-football income from property and endorsements adds to his financial standing.
thenightly.com.au, au.sports.yahoo.com, tuko.co.ke, vipfaq.com, afl.com.au, surprisesports.com, au.news.yahoo.com, en.wikipedia.org
Frequently asked questions
How many games did Dustin Martin play in the AFL?
302 games, all for the Richmond Tigers, before retiring in August 2024.
What awards did Dustin Martin win in his career?
Three premierships (2017, 2019, 2020), three Norm Smith Medals, the 2017 Brownlow Medal, and All-Australian selections.
Is Dustin Martin still involved with Richmond FC?
Yes, he returned as a mentor for young players in June 2026.
Did Dustin Martin play any other professional sports?
No, he focused solely on AFL football. He had a brief baseball background in junior years but did not pursue it professionally.
What is Dustin Martin’s relationship with his father?
His father Shane was deported to New Zealand in 2016. Dustin has kept the matter private and rarely discusses it publicly.
Will Dustin Martin become a full-time coach?
Possibly; he currently mentors players but no full-time coaching role has been announced.
How old was Dustin Martin when he retired?
33 years old; he retired in August 2024, a few months after his 33rd birthday.
What endorsements does Dustin Martin currently have?
He is a brand partner with Trademark Skincare (2026) and previously had a long-term deal with Nike.
Victoria Hayes is Editor-in-Chief at Aussie Wire Hub, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.