Hardwick appointed Tigers coach

[Allstar cards inc]

Let's just hope he can develop the team to the point where we are playing finals on a regular basis....the talent is there.....just lacking direction and polish.

This is from ninemsn.com.au

Hardwick wants to deliver Tigers 11th flag
By WWOS & AAP11:00 AEST Wed Aug 26 2009

Damien Hardwick has officially been unveiled as Richmond's new coach, saying he wants to deliver the Tigers their 11th premiership.


Hardwick fronted a media conference at Punt Road this morning, with his three-year-deal signifiying the final piece in the AFL's coaching jigsaw.

He fought off former Geelong player Ken Hinkley for the job and said he wanted to begin work immediately.

"I can't wait to get my teeth into it," he said.

The 37-year-old, who had served as an assistant coach at Hawthorn since 2005, was also being courted by Port Adelaide, but said he chose the Tigers' because he felt he was ready for a senior role.

One of his first tasks will be a review of the Tigers' playing list, which includes star veterans Matthew Richardson and former Brownlow medallist Ben Cousins.

At 34-years-of-age, Richardson is the oldest player in the AFL and despite missing much of this season through injury, appeared to get the backing of his new leader.

"I would probably still rate Richo among the top two-to-three players at the club," Hardwick said.

Richmond narrowed their selection down to Hardwick and Hinkley late last week, telling their caretaker coach Jade Rawlings and Essendon assistant Alan Richardson that they were out of the running.

Rawlings took over as coach in round 12 after the departure of Terry Wallace, who was in the last year of a five-year contract and had failed to lead the Tigers into the finals.

Hardwick faces a massive task to turn around the once-great club's on-field fortunes.

They have not won a premiership since 1980 and last made the grand final in 1982.

Richmond have since made the finals only twice, in 1995 and 2001.

Hardwick played 207 AFL matches for Essendon and Port Adelaide between 1994 and 2004.

He was at Essendon for 153 games until 2001, winning their 1998 best and fairest award and playing in their powerful 2000 premiership team.

Hardwick made his name as a fearless, ruthless defender and won All-Australian selection in 2000.

But, at the end of 2001, he had a painful departure from the Bombers and was traded to Port Adelaide.

Hardwick played 54 games for the Power and was a member of their first AFL premiership team in 2004.

He then retired and immediately started working under Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson, who had been an assistant at Port.

Hardwick played a key role in masterminding Hawthorn's surprise premiership last year, when they upset Geelong in the grand final.

 

[holzbauer]

im happy with the result, he looks like a very impressive bloke who could help repair our club

 

[Tricolour]

i really thought hinkley would get it
hardwick has a big job ahead of him now
lets hope he can deliver

 

[Allstar cards inc]

i really thought hinkley would get it
hardwick has a big job ahead of him now
lets hope he can deliver

I don't know why, but I thought (hoped) Hinkley would get it too.

 

[Nightwatchman]

Yeah, I thought Hardwick had his cards marked when he missed the Essendon job because of a poor presentation and lack of preparation, then was not really given the time of day by North.

Hinkley looked like a less-risky proposition to me. A bit in the Ross Lyon mould. And we know how footy clubs love to imitate each other.

All that said, Hardwick has a demeanour that impresses me... seems confident and relaxed.

Wonder if Jade Rawlings will head "home" to fill Hardwick's position at the Hawks?

 

[loafic]

hardwick is the best man the tigers could have chosen:
- tough nut player
- multiple premiership player (essendon & port adelaide)
- premiership winning assistant coach (hawthorn)
- no nonsense type of guy
- has a winning culture instilled in him from the clubs he's been at

this guy will turn that list over almost entirely in the next 2/3 seasons, wont take crap from anyone, will bring discipline with him to richmond... you watch him turn that place around

 

[HBM]

The perpetual bridesmaid has finally got a gig! Hope he does well - deserves it.

 

[adz2332]

Bugger was kinda hoping to see him at Port!

 

[Dalbs]

Rawlings will be disappointed. Hardwick has his work cut out for him now. Good luck to him.