‘Trying to lock in a date’: Dustin Martin linked with footy comeback via Northern Territory Football LeagueSt Mary’s coach Anthony Vallejo has confirmed the club is speaking with Dustin Martin about a football comeback.
The Richmond icon is reportedly interested in playing in the Northern Territory Football League (NTFL) in 2026.
As first reported by Code Sports, Martin is expected to return for a one-match cameo, most likely in Round 17 in February.
That round is the penultimate weekend of the NTFL Premier League home-and-away season as clubs head towards the NTFL finals series.
St Mary’s, an NTFL powerhouse that has won the premiership 34 times, is widely expected to qualify for the finals with plenty of matches remaining this season — making Martin’s return relatively risk-free.
Rumours have swirled about the three-time Norm Smith medal winner’s plans to play in the Top End in recent weeks.
It would be his first taste of top-level footy since his retirement in 2024.
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