The Source: Damien Hardwick flies close to the sun with single-finger salute

The Gold Coast Suns have put Damien Hardwick at the centre of what could be a controversial new marketing ploy. And it’s none other than his partner who is promoting it online.

Gold Coast Suns coach Damien Hardwick has posed with his middle finger up in a cheesy marketing ploy. Picture: Supplied

Putting the squeeze on Victoria’s movers, shakers and headline makers

The AFL hasn’t been fond of those flipping the bird – just ask Bailey Smith – but that hasn’t stopped a senior coach breaking ranks.

Gold Coast Suns coach Damien Hardwick has posed with his middle finger up in a cheesy marketing ploy to attract members to the club for $1.

It’s being promoted by Hardwick’s partner, Alexandra Crow, who was employed earlier this year as a consultant on consumer and commercial strategy projects.

That employment raised some eyebrows in club land, but the AFL ticked it off as Suns chief executive Mark Evans saying “the scope of the role is small”.

Gold Coast Suns promotion featuring Damien Hardwick

Crow clearly seems to have had some involvement in this, spruiking the Hardwick promo on her social media.

The pair infamously got together while he was Richmond’s senior coach and she was a staffer at Punt Road.

The Source can only wonder if Hardwick’s jokey antics will put him on the radar of league headquarters once again.

Got a tip? Let us know [e-mail].

Originally published as The Source: Damien Hardwick flies close to the sun with single-finger salute