Damien Hardwick's bold AFL coaching declaration after Richmond exit
The former Richmond coach left the footy world in shock earlier this year when he stepped down as coach.
Former Richmond Tigers coach Damien Hardwick has thrown a major twist into the AFL's off-season coaching calculations, declaring he'd be open to returning to the coaching world. Hardwick left the footy world shocked last month, when he abruptly decided to call time on his career with the Tigers.
A three-time premiership coach with Richmond, Hardwick will no doubt be a fiercely contested signature should go through with his desire to once again throw his hat into the ring. In becoming Richmond's longest-tenured coach, he was a crucial part of the club extricating itself from AFL obscurity into a competitive juggernaut.
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Speculation erupted as to whether or not he would return to the AFL coaching fraternity almost immediately after he stepped away from Richmond, and he gave an insight into his state of mind when making an appearance on the Dyl and Friends podcast, hosted by former GWS Giants and Carlton player Dylan Buckley. He admitted it had been a 'challenging' few weeks adjusting to life beyond football.
Hardwick has been making the most of his newfound free time however, jetting over to the US and even converting some American sports fans to the AFL. He was also given a hero's welcome by Tigers fans during longtime club captain Trent Cotchin's 300th AFL game earlier in June.
“The one thing that footy does is really (get you in a ) routine ..., and all of a sudden you take that away and it’s amazing how quickly (you miss it). You enjoy the first couple of days but then it’s like, ‘Oh, what am I going to do now?’,” he said.
“I had a couple of days (when) I sort of decompressed and relaxed and then I said, ‘OK, I’m not very good at this’ .... Footy was such a big part of my life and it sort of defined me.
“It’s been a little bit challenging learning how to relax, umm, and I think it’s something I’ve become better at, but also I need to find out what my next purpose is about moving forward and getting my teeth to stuck into something, otherwise I will drive myself insane.”
Damien Hardwick admits he would coach AFL again
Buckley cracked that he 'would get f***ing murdered' by the broader AFL world if he didn't ask Hardwick whether or not he'd considered returning to coaching. Hardwick admitted that he missed it, but said it would be some time before he would seriously consider doin so.
“I’d be lying if I said I couldn’t see myself doing it. I love it. I miss it. I’ve been out for two weeks and I wanted to miss it," he replied.
“I need a bit of time but I just love the game ... Like everyone, I’ve known it for a long time. At some stage I will probably step back in, when that is, I’m not too sure.”
Hardwick's declaration will undoubtedly spark interest from multiple clubs. He has been consistently linked to Gold Coast despite his former Port Adelaide premiership teammate Stuart Dew being contracted until the end of next season.
Port mentor Ken Hinkley is out of contract at season's end and both the Power and their coach have put off any talks until August. West Coast have backed Adam Simpson but the premiership coach is under intense scrutiny amid their woes.
There is also uncertainty at North Melbourne, where Brett Ratten is caretaker while Alastair Clarkson remains on indefinite personal leave. For the foreseeable future however, Hardwick seems content as a spectator only.
With AAP
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