A detail in a photo posted by Damien Hardwick has got tongues wagging after the coach announced his decision to quit Richmond.
AFL: AFL 360 hosts, Gerard and Robbo bring Richmond veteran, Jack Riewoldt on to the show to discuss his relationship with Damien Hardwick, whilst detailing a hilarious story.
The coach rocked the AFL world this week with his decision to quit Richmond on the spot, leaving assistant Andrew McQualter to coach the club in its Sunday afternoon blockbuster against Port Adelaide at the MCG.
Hardwick doesn’t seem to be too unhappy about stepping away from the coach’s box — according to a rare social media message posted on Twitter on Sunday morning.
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The 50-year-old posted a photo which showed him sitting on a couch with his feet up alongside his golden retriever while holding a Stone and Wood beer bottle aloft in triumph.
The smiling grin is something Richmond fans have rarely seen in recent months as the three-time premiership-winning coach announced this week he had been considering stepping away for some time. His departure comes at a time with the Tigers’ season already on the ropes, sitting 15th on the ladder.
His happy Twitter post was his first comment on the social media platform for seven weeks and his message has been warmly received by the Tigers faithful.
Damien Hardwick is enjoying life. Photo: Twitter, @hardwick_damien.
His caption included yellow and black heart emojis — the Tigers’ iconic colours.
“How long to go?! Carn the Tigs,” he wrote at 10am on Sunday ahead of the team’s 1.10pm battle with Port Adelaide.
The post had been viewed by more than 130,000 Twitter users in the space of a couple hours.
Hardwick earlier this week confirmed he had no immediate plans to return to coaching in the AFL and will instead take time away from the game.
He said he had received advice from Tigers superstar Dustin Martin to go and holiday in Ibiza when he first told the players of his decision to move on after 13 years, the longest serving coach in the history of the football club.
Martin was one of a handful of senior players Hardwick singled out when thanking people for the support he received throughout his service to the club.
Hardwick said with a chuckle at the emotional press conference that Martin had some unique advice for him.
“The biggest thing on my plate at the moment is to decompress,” Hardwick said.
“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.
Damien Hardwick and Dustin Martin.
“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.”
Hardwick’s decision to quit has sent shockwaves across the sport with speculation he could be an option for the Gold Coast Suns if senior coach Stuart Dew leaves.
The veteran coach broke down in tears when thanking the people who have supported him along 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 said.
Hardwick was again emotional when first addressing his senior players, mentioning Jack Riewoldt, Trent Cotchin, Dylan Grimes and Martin.
“You all mean the world to me. I love you all,” he said.
“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.”