Youth, draft hold premiership Tigers in good stead for 2018, Damien Hardwick says
RICHMOND might have won the premiership, but coach Damien Hardwick says a bevy of youngsters and a pair of first-round draft picks hold the club in good stead for 2018.
RICHMOND premiership coach Damien Hardwick wants the club’s bunch of talented youngsters to help make the senior team even stronger next season.
The Tigers broke a 37-year premiership drought on Saturday and will take two first-round selections as part of a strong hand into this year’s draft.
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They are certain to include father-son gem Patrick Naish, who is rated one of the most polished and classy midfielders in November’s draft.
Hardwick said the Tigers faced a huge battle to even get to the finals again next season but was buoyed by the rich young talent already on Richmond’s list.
“We have got some exit interviews (Monday) and we’ll sit down with everyone and get the program,” he said.
“There are no guarantees to even get back to finals, you have got to work incredibly hard.
“What I am really pleased with is you look at our VFL side and they finished second this year.
“There’s some terrific players who are going to be pushing our 22 to play next year so competition for spots is really going to be evident at our footy club next year.”
Youngsters expected to push for a senior berth include livewire forward Shai Bolton, tall Mabior Chol, silky ball-user Corey Ellis, explosive forward Oleg Markov and speedster Connor Menadue. Key forward Ben Griffiths will also return to the frame after concussion and shoulder problems.
However, tough onballer Anthony Miles and Ben Lennon are expected to explore their trade options, while goalkicker Sam Lloyd has also attracted interest.
The full squad was on hand to celebrate the club’s 11th premiership in front of 25,000 adoring fans at the Punt Rd family day yesterday.
Hardwick paid emotional tribute to long-time friend Alastair Clarkson for his guidance over his turbulent coaching career.
Hardwick said he would not have stepped up on to the premiership dais without Clarkson’s unwavering support and friendship over the years.
“We have been friends for a long time and our families are incredibly close and I’ve always had that jealousy every time I walk down his hallway there’s bloody four premiership medallions sitting there,” Hardwick said.
“So I’ve got one back on him.
“He has been a great friend of mine, a great mentor, and I owe a lot of what I am today to how he has taken me under his wing.
“To have him there at the celebration at the end is testament to him, albeit in an opposition club room and he’s got his arm around my players.
“I just love him.”
Hardwick shared a special moment with his father in the coaches’ box on Saturday night and admitted his shock to see spearhead Jack Riewoldt onstage singing along with rockers The Killers.
“I was sitting up in the coaches’ box with my old man when that happened and I said, ‘That’s bloody Jack on stage,’” Hardwick said.
“It was a fantastic moment wasn’t it and you only live once with these sorts of things.
“What song was it? Mr Brightside? I haven’t got very good musical taste, but it was a great moment. He is a better full forward than singer.”
Originally published as Youth, draft hold premiership Tigers in good stead for 2018, Damien Hardwick says