Amid wholesale change at Richmond, chief government Brendon Gale provides the robust impression he’s going nowhere.
Damien Hardwick’s shock resignation highlights the top of the dynasty that broke their wretched AFL premiership drought and returned the Tigers to a place of energy.
Much is made from the “pillars” at a profitable membership – Richmond’s for his or her three flags have been Hardwick, Gale, president Peggy O’Neal and captain Trent Cotchin.
Then got here senior soccer advisor Neil Balme, a vital addition when the membership was on shaky floor on the finish of 2016.
O’Neal resigned on the finish of final 12 months, with John O’Rourke taking up. Now Hardwick is gone and Cotchin, absolutely, will retire on the finish of this season.
Gale was a candidate for the AFL chief government function, which went to Andrew Dillon, and the favored pondering now’s he’s their No.1 option to take over the long-vacant soccer supervisor place.
But Gale, the previous Tigers star who turned membership CEO in 2009, mentioned at Hardwick’s retirement media convention on Tuesday that he desires to supervise what comes subsequent.
“We want to find the next Damien Hardwick,” he mentioned.
“We think we’re a pretty attractive proposition – we’re a strong club with a strong culture.
“I’m dedicated to this subsequent chapter of Richmond … that is my focus.”
Co-captain Dylan Grimes noted it is rare for the coach to resign mid-season and the club not to be in turmoil.
The mood at Hardwick’s media conference, packed with players and staff, was definitely not one of gloom.
Hardwick said Gale, sitting alongside him, was “the good Nostradamus” for engineering Richmond’s revival at a time when many people thought they would remain a basket case.
Balme’s return to Punt Rd, where he made his name as a player, was massive in the review that followed their disastrous 2016 season.
His nous was crucial when Richmond won the first of their three flags a year later, with the next two coming in 2019-20.
Balme will remain an invaluable sounding board for caretaker coach Andrew McQualter and whoever takes over full-time from next year.
“It’s no coincidence – he involves our footy membership and he is like a kind of Buddha dolls – you rub his stomach and the great luck follows you,” Hardwick mentioned of Balme.
“Balmey’s a kind of guys, he is very forthright in his opinions of the sport and typically whenever you over-complicate it, he’ll let you know.
“That’s a great thing about Neil.”
As Hardwick sat subsequent to him with tears in his eyes, Gale was very clear-headed about what comes subsequent.
“This is sad, don’t get me wrong. I love this man and a lot of people do,” Gale mentioned.
“But it’s onward and upward – we’re looking forward to writing the next chapter of this incredible story of Richmond.
“We have an unbelievable group on and off the sphere.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
