It’s truthful to say Damien Hardwick is a bit bit enthusiastic about his new job.
In the AFL’s newest “worst kept secret”, Hardwick was confirmed on Monday as the brand new coach of the Gold Coast Suns ranging from the 2024 season.
The 51-year-old has signed a mammoth six-year deal, joking the additional 12 months to what was extensively reported as a possible five-year contract was akin to a “Movie World pass”.
Watch each match of each spherical of the 2023 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE on Kayo Sports. Join now and begin streaming immediately >
A beaming Hardwick gushed concerning the Suns being a “wonderful club” and firmly acknowledged his intention to steer the facet to its first premiership.
It’s a daring name for an organisation that’s but to make the finals in its 12-year existence, however the three-time premiership-winning coach is assured a lot of the items are already in place.
”I’m very, very, very excited,” Hardwick stated in his opening statements to the media.
“I likened it to waking up on Christmas morning to the sight of brand new toys.
“We’re capable of doing some special things.
“I’m very much looking forward to coaching these young men and taking us where we need to go and that’s to raise our first premiership cup, which I’m sure will be in the not-too-distant future.
“Eighty per cent of our first premiership side is sitting in this room right now.”
The Suns’ hierarchy famously headed to Milan to satisfy with Hardwick in an effort to persuade him to return on board.
The former Richmond coach admitted there was a “fair chance” he was going to simply accept the provide anyway previous to the Italian meal they shared.
The Suns have confronted widespread criticism over their journey to date, all the things from record administration to member numbers and even workforce colors.
Rumblings over the position – or extra particularly the situation – of soccer boss Wayne Campbell additionally surfaced this 12 months.
Campbell has been based mostly in Sydney throughout his tenure with the Suns, flying up for some membership conferences and taking others remotely.
Hardwick was flying the corporate flag on Monday, nonetheless, resplendent in his loud pink and brown Suns polo shirt.
The incoming coach careworn he didn’t wish to see any modifications within the soccer division and is instantly concentrating on September motion.
“I’m not the Messiah,” he stated. “I’m part of the puzzle that’s going to take us where we need to go.
“That for me is the best part of the job.
“I think every year we’re gunning for finals. I’m not putting any ceiling on this group.”
In a press convention principally of quips and goodwill, Hardwick did seem to bristle at a query over his supposed “burn out” when he give up the Tigers in May this 12 months.
“I had been in that organisation for 13 years and they needed a new voice,” he rapidly fired again. “I love coaching. I’m a career coach.
“We’ve got a great new bunch of toys that I’m really looking forward to working with and I couldn’t be more excited.”
Yep, we acquired that.
Hardwick, president Bob East and chief government Mark Evans, who fronted the media, had been additionally all requested about hyperlinks between Dustin Martin and the Suns.
Martin gained three Norm Smith Medals throughout Richmond’s three flags below Hardwick and has confronted constant hypothesis over the place he might end his glittering profession.
Martin himself would’ve been pleased with the highly effective sidestep all three figures carried out, with Hardwick stating: “He’s a contracted player at Richmond. List management decisions will come in due course.”
Hardwick closed by stating the Suns would play an “exciting style” of soccer, which he in comparison with that presently being displayed by Collingwood, Richmond and GWS.
The Victorian might be a eager observer as interim coach Steven King finishes the 2023 marketing campaign towards North Melbourne in Hobart subsequent week earlier than taking up.
The Suns, who sacked Stuart Dew in May, can safe a tenth win of the season towards the Kangaroos, which might equal the very best return within the membership’s historical past.
Originally printed as Damien Hardwick gushes over Suns however didn’t like one query
Source: www.dailytelegraph.com.au
