Giants' cheeky banner dig at Dusty and Tigers

July 14, 2024 Sports 46 Views

GWS has nailed yet another banner, this time drawing attention to Richmond veteran Dustin Martin‘s clouded future in the yellow and black.

Martin’s mega nine-year deal comes to a close at season’s end, with the 33-year-old still undecided on his next career move.

He has not signed on with Richmond, or indicated that any conversations around his future have begun, but Martin has still been heavily linked to former Tiger coach Damien Hardwick, who is now heading up the Gold Coast Suns.

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Melbourne great David Schwarz reported that Martin would “100 per cent” be playing for the Suns come 2025, despite no confirmation from Tigers camp.

Hardwick also added fuel to speculations that the 33-year-old star could be headed to his new team next season.

GWS' banner against Richmond in round 18. — GWS’ banner against Richmond in round 18. GWS Giants

“He’s a really, really good player, there’s no doubt about that, and every single club would be crazy if they didn’t sit there and at some stage make an assessment,” Hardwick said last week.

“Like 17 other clubs, we’re always looking for good players.

“Those list management calls will get made towards the back end of the year.”

Now, the Giants have got in the the Martin action with their banner, that was hoisted up before their clash with the Tigers at the MCG on Sunday.

Dustin Martin and Damien Hardwick in 2018. Getty

“Dusty we love you. Hope you’re on the up. Might see you next year in the Expansion Cup,” The Giants’ banner read.

The Giants take on the Suns each season in their expansion club clash, as both clubs were created by the AFL just a year apart back in 2011 and 2012.

Martin missed their clash in round 18, due to back soreness.

Martin and Hardwick celebrate their 2017 grand final win. Getty

It’s not the only cheeky move the Giants have made in the last few days, after they mocked Sydney’s Isaac Heeney for his heartfelt apology video, made after he failed to overturn his one-match suspension for a hit on St Kilda’s Jimmy Webster.

Giants skipper Toby Greene made his own apology that mirrored Heeney’s, in which he said sorry for collecting yet another fine for an undisciplined act.

GWS took a 24-point win over the Tigers.