Dustin Martin attends funeral of British expat in Sydney as Tigers star returns to New South Wales

Dustin Martin was pictured back in Sydney as the Richmond star attended a funeral following his friend’s death. 

Martin recently spent time in New South Wales to grieve following his father’s death late last year, with the Tigers approving a period of indefinite leave for the three-time AFL champion.

The 30-year-old is understood to be fond of Sydney and reports suggest he is eyeing a switch to one of the city’s two AFL clubs – the Swans or the Giants – and last month Tigers boss Damien Hardwick said he would not stand in Martin’s way if he chose to pursue a move north. 

And on Friday, Martin was snapped with his family attending a funeral for friend Hamish Locke at Macquarie Park Lawn Cemetery in Sydney.

Locke – an expat from Scotland – died in an accident last month aged 33 and Martin joined family and friends to pay his respects.

A fundraiser was created following Locke’s death by friend Benjamin Vivian and donations have totaled $70,000. 

Dustin Martin was in Sydney on Friday to pay his respects to a friend who died last month

The Richmond superstar was pictured with family and friends at Hamish Locke’s funeral

The 30-year-old spent time in NSW earlier this year and is ‘in love’ with Sydney, fuelling rumours of a move away from the Tigers

‘RIP Hamish Locke. Words cannot express what I am feeling today my brother,’ the fundraiser page read. ‘Yesterday we lost you, a man who was one of life’s truly beautiful characters. 

‘To anyone that knew Hamish, he was not just incredibly talented, charming, generous, funny and smart – He had that special spark that only a tiny portion of people attain. He brightened a room wherever he went and he had such an amazing influence on anyone who was lucky enough to meet him. 

‘He was the best older brother, business partner and friend I could have asked for. He changed my life for the better in so many ways and I’m so grateful for our beautiful friendship and brotherhood. I hope you have found your dad up there mate and I know you have missed him terribly – God Bless you Hamish’.

Hamish Locke (R) died following an accident and over $70,000 has been donated to his family

Martin has won three flags with Richmond but Damien Hardwick would green light a move

Richmond CEO Peggy O’Neal admitted last month that Martin is attracted by the possibility of leaving the ‘fishbowl’ that is Melbourne’s avid AFL community.

The Herald Sun have reported the Swans have started covert talks with Martin’s manager, Ralph Carr, who has previously stated his client ‘loves Sydney’.

‘Talks are preliminary at this stage as there are lots of moving parts but there’s little doubt Dusty wants to live in Sydney,’ a source in Martin’s camp told the publication.