An emotional Damien Hardwick says he entered this season considering it could be his final as Richmond coach however determined a couple of fortnight in the past to not see it by means of.
The triple premiership coach has resigned from his function efficient instantly, ending a celebrated 307-game interval in cost after he took over at the beginning of 2010.
Richmond has appointed Hardwick’s assistant and former St Kilda participant Andrew McQualter as interim coach whereas the membership searches for a substitute.
Hardwick broke down as he informed reporters his resignation was “one of the more tough conversations that I’ve had to do”.
“The way this club supported me, gave me every resource possible, gave me the best people possible, it’s a testament to what we have created,” he stated.
“I’m really going to miss the fact that I don’t get to see the very, very special people in my life every day.
“I just need a break … I’ve pushed every button I think possible for these guys.”
Hardwick, 50, stated he had determined to make 2023 his last season in cost over summer season and had designs on bowing out with extra success after watching Netflix documentary The Last Dance, which charts the ultimate season of basketball legend Michael Jordan’s profession.
“I made the decision that I wasn’t going to be the coach of Richmond next year,” he stated.
“I watched the Last Dance, thought that could’ve been for me.
“The best thing for myself was to stand aside. If I couldn’t give 100 per cent there was no way I was going to coach this football club.”
Hardwick stated he knew across the time of Richmond’s win over Geelong that he would depart in the course of the season however wished to attend till after the Dreamtime sport because of the event and return of co-captain Toby Nankervis to the facet.
“It became apparent probably two weeks ago that the time was about right,” he stated.
“I’d rather leave too early than too late. I want to make sure I leave loving the game, not resenting the game.”
He stated it was essential to protect his relationships on the membership by bowing out at the moment and singled out the Tigers quartet who performed underneath him for his complete time period – Jack Riewoldt, Trent Cotchin, Dylan Grimes and Dustin Martin.
“Jack, Trent, Dylan and Dustin, you all mean the world to me,” he stated.
“I rang the great Jack Riewoldt and I said ‘mate are you available to catch up’.
“And of course Jack made it all about him … he’s deeply embarrassed about that, but it just sums up Jack to be fair.”
Hardwick stated his high precedence was to “decompress”, including he was in no rush to search for one other senior coach function.
“I’m looking forward to a break,” he stated.
“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.”
Source: www.news.com.au
