Three-time Norm Smith medallist Martin was the first player drafted at Richmond during Hardwick's 14-year coaching tenure that netted three late premierships.
Martin is in the final year of his contract and the suggestion of a move north has lingered ever since Hardwick took over as Suns coach from the axed Stuart Dew this season.
Hardwick did little to dampen the prospects of Martin's arrival next season when asked at a media conference on Wednesday.
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"Dustin's a contracted player at Richmond. That's obviously for Dustin to decide and Richmond to work their way through," he said.
"He's a really, really good player, there's no doubt that, and every single club would be crazy if they didn't sit there and at some stage make an assessment.
"Like 17 other clubs, we're always looking for good players.
"Gold Coast is no different. Those list management calls will get made at the back-end of the year."
The Suns have an 8-7 win-loss record to sit in 11th place on the ladder, two points outside the top eight.
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