Damien Hardwick given two-year contract extension by Richmond

RICHMOND has moved to ease the pressure on coach Damien Hardwick and given him a two-year contract extension.

NAB Challenge, AFL : Tigers v Port Adelaide Damien Hardwick on interchange bench 4th term & Cotchin Picture:Wayne Ludbey

RICHMOND has moved to ease the pressure on coach Damien Hardwick and given him a two-year contract extension.

Hardwick, who was out of contract at the end of this year, will be in charge until the end of 2018.

The Tigers had been questioned about their support for Hardwick, who has failed to win a final in his six years at the helm, while other clubs including Brisbane and Collingwood reappointed their coaches.

But in ending all speculation before next Thursday’s season-opener against Carlton, Richmond president Peggy O’Neal said the board considered Hardwick the “right man” to take the Tigers in to the immediate future.

“In making this decision the board considered what Damien has accomplished during his tenure, including the fact he has taken the team to three consecutive finals series,” O’Neal said.

“We also considered whether he was the right man to take us further and, after thorough analysis and discussion, the unanimous view was that Damien is the right man to coach our Club.

“Importantly, Damien has the character and values we want in someone who leads our players. The players also have great respect for their coach and his approach to getting the best out of them.”

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick has signed a two-year contract extension. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

Hardwick, 43, has coached Richmond since 2010 and taken the Tigers to the finals in each of the past three seasons, but is yet to record a September victory.

“It has always been an honour to coach the Richmond Football Club and the support that the Board provides not just myself, but the entire club, is never taken for granted,” he said.

Hardwick is already the Tigers’ third-longest serving coach — 135 games, behind only legendary club figures Tommy Hafey (248) and Jack Dyer (226).

Originally published as Damien Hardwick given two-year contract extension by Richmond