Mystery surrounds why AFL superstar Dustin Martin was with brothel owner Eddie Hayson in Sydney

Mystery surrounds a recent meeting with footy superstar Dustin Martin and notorious former brothel owner Eddie Hayson in Sydney’s Kings Cross.

Word of the catch-up at Giorgio’s Cafe on December 4 was dismissed by Martin’s manager Ralph Carr, but not by police and sport integrity officials, who are said to be intrigued by the encounter.

While there is no suggestion Richmond Tigers midfielder Martin is involved in any wrongdoing, concerns have been raised given Hayson’s extensive links to criminal associates and other sporting stars. 

AFL superstar Dustin Martin (pictured left) was recently spotted in Sydney’s Kings Cross with notorious former brothel owner Eddie Hayson

Professional gambler Eddie Hayson (pictured above) has a colourful reputation due to his extensive contacts from all walks of life

Dustin Martin (pictured right with NRL star Jack Wighton) has been a man about town after winning another AFL premiership with Richmond in October

It’s understood the recently established Sport Integrity Australia told NSW Police about the meeting in early December before detectives obtained CCTV footage of Martin and another high profile AFL player enjoying a few drinks and dinner with Hayson, The Age reported.

The AFL has repeatedly warned players to be very selective about their off-field associations that could cause damage their personal reputation.

Hayson has been a person of interest to police due to his array of contacts which include criminal identities, professional punters as well as numerous figures from the elite sporting world.

Daily Mail Australia is not suggesting any wrongdoing with Martin and Hayson’s relationship, nor that Hayson is involved in any illegal activity. 

Back in 2006, Hayson and fellow professional punter Steve Fletcher snared close to $2million from the TAB.

The pair allegedly received late inside mail that Newcastle Knights halfback Andrew Johns would miss a game against the New Zealand Warriors because he was injured.

A NRL investigation later cleared Hayson of any wrongdoing, but eyebrows were raised given he owned racehorses with Mr Johns at the time.   

In 2018 Hayson was banned by the NRL from associating with Canterbury Bulldogs playmaker Kieran Foran, with whom he shared a long standing friendship stemming from Foran’s early playing days with the Manly Sea Eagles. 

The AFL are said to be concerned about Dustin Martin’s (pictured right) recent meeting with pro punter and former brothel owner Eddie Hayson – above Martin is pictured with DJ Paul ‘Fish’ Fisher

Dustin Martin (pictured above with Sonny Bill Williams) is regarded as the best player in the AFL after three premierships in four years with Richmond

Eddie Hayson (pictured above) was cleared of match fixing in the NRL following an investigation in 2016

Hayson has also admitted offering free sex to footy stars when he owned the high class brothel Stiletto in Sydney, stating at the time that ‘word of mouth is a powerful tool’ and it was how he went about ‘promoting his business.’

Vision from the meeting in Kings Cross on December 4 showed Martin leaving the venue with Hayson.

Sport Integrity Australia was established in June this year. It followed former judge James Wood conducting an extensive inquiry which called for stronger relationships between police, regulators and sporting codes.