Dustin Martin has advised Damien Hardwick to move abroad after the previous Richmond coach’s bombshell determination to give up the membership.
The three-time premiership-winning coach on Tuesday morning revealed he had come to a conclusion the stress off the job turned “too much” for him to proceed on.
His press convention got here after news first emerged on Monday evening that Hardwick’s tenure on the membership is over after 13 years, the longest serving coach within the historical past of the soccer membership.
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Martin was one in every of a handful of senior gamers Hardwick singled out when thanking individuals for the help he obtained all through his service to the membership.
Hardwick mentioned with a chuckle on the emotional press convention that Martin had some distinctive recommendation for him.
“The biggest thing on my plate at the moment is to decompress,” Hardwick mentioned.
“Speaking to some of the players, Dustin suggested I go to Ibiza, and Bakes (Liam Baker) suggested I go to Lake Grace. It’s somewhere in between where I’ll find myself. I am looking forward to a break.
“The job of an AFL senior coach is very, very tough. Don’t get me wrong – I loved it. But I’m looking forward to a break.
“It’s been an incredible journey for 13-14 years but it is very consuming. The job of AFL coach is very, very tough. Don’t get me wrong I love it to death. But I need a break.”
The 50-year-old mentioned he’ll now take time away from the sport — and has no instant plans to return to the soccer trade.
Hardwick’s determination to give up has despatched shockwaves throughout the game with hypothesis he may very well be an choice for the Gold Coast Suns if senior coach Stuart Dew leaves.
The veteran coach broke down in tears when thanking the individuals who have supported him alongside the journey.
“The way this club supported me, gave me the best support available, the best resources available, it’s a testament to what I think we’ve created and a legacy that will continue to go on,” he mentioned.
Hardwick was once more emotional when first addressing his senior gamers, mentioning Jack Riewoldt, Trent Cotchin, Dylan Grimes and Martin.
“You all mean the world to me. I love you all,” he mentioned.
“I’ve enjoyed every aspect of being your coach, but I’ll enjoy every aspect of watching you go on with your careers and whatever you choose to do.
“From the bottom of my heart boys, I wish you all the best.”
Hardwick additionally wiped away a tear when addressing his household, which was sitting within the entrance row.
He singled out his ex-wife Danielle and new associate Alex.
Highly rated Richmond assistant coach Andrew McQualter has been appointed interim coach efficient instantly and the membership is now trying to discover its subsequent senior coach.
There have been rumblings in latest weeks the membership is dealing with a bleak few years because it faces a re-build after so a few years on the high of the desk.
There has additionally been criticism of the membership’s determination to make use of high draft picks to recruit senior gamers lately, together with Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper.
Despite this, Hardwick mentioned his successor can be nicely positioned to steer the membership to a vibrant future.
“We’ve got an outstanding group,” he mentioned.
“Whilst we did invest significant draft capital. We’ve brought in two players in Taranto and Hopper that are going to be outstanding players for the next 6-7 years. So whichever coach takes over is going to be in a very good place.
“This list in a very, very good place. This club is in a very good place going forward.”
Martin has beforehand ben linked with bombshell strikes to Sydney, regardless of remaining contracted with Richmond till the tip of the 2024 season.
Source: www.news.com.au
