Hardwick addresses Suns link as report says Dusty ‘more open than ever’ to move

Damien Hardwick has spoken publicly for the first time following reports he’s locked in for his next AFL coaching job.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 04: Dustin Martin shares a laugh with Coach Damien Hardwick during a Richmond Tigers AFL captain's run at The Swinburne Centre on March 04, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Jonathan DiMaggio/Getty Images)

Damien Hardwick has spoken publicly for the first time following reports he’s been locked in as the Suns’ next senior coach, with the three-time premiership boss saying he’s “looking forward to a possible new challenge”

It’s expected Hardwick will as early as Monday be unveiled as Gold Coast’s new coach on a five-year deal, with Channel 7 reporting he was finalising his deal at Connor Sports Management offices on Friday morning.

Though he wasn’t able to officially confirm he was joining the Suns, Hardwick strongly hinted at the move and said it was good to be back in Melbourne after returning from his overseas trip.

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Asked if he was refreshed and ready to coach again, Hardwick said: “Yeah, absolutely. I’m looking forward to a possible new challenge. I’ve got some things to work through and we’ll make a decision pretty soon.”

Martin and Hardwick won three flags together at Richmond (Photo by Jonathan DiMaggio/Getty Images)

Hardwick has spent the last five weeks in Europe, where he reportedly met with Gold Coast CEO Mark Evans and chairman Bob Easton and was tabled a five-year contract offer.

“It was great to catch up with Mark and Bob over in Milan. I’ve got a bit to think about over the weekend, and when I know, you’ll know,” the 51-year old added.

Channel 7 also reports three-time Norm Smith medallist Dustin Martin is “more open than ever” to a move to the Gold Coast to team up with his former coach despite being contracted at Richmond for next season.

Hardwick, who departed the Tigers mid-season, was however coy on a potential reunion with Martin.

Probed if he would like Martin up north, Hardwick said with a laugh: “I’m going to leave that at that.”

Hardwick will be at the MCG on Saturday when Richmond farewells retiring club champions Jack Riewoldt and Trent Cotchin against North Melbourne.

Originally published as Hardwick addresses Suns link as report says Dusty ‘more open than ever’ to move