Danielle Hardwick reflects on ex-husband Damien’s shock resignation

Danielle Hardwick has spoken of her lifetime dedication to Damien and football in the wake of Dimma’s shock resignation, saying “it wasn’t meant to end this way”.

Danielle Hardwick has reflected on a lifetime of dedication in the wake of ex-husband Damien Hardwick’s shock departure from Richmond.

The pair, who share three children, were together through Hardwick’s decorated career as a player and then as the Tigers’ longest-serving coach.

They separated in late 2020 and it soon emerged he was in a relationship with Alexandra Crow.

Danielle told the Herald Sun it was a poignant moment for her when Hardwick walked away from coaching.

“A tough 48 hours. A lifetime dedicated to D and football. Wasn’t meant to end this way,” Danielle said.

Damien and Danielle Hardwick ahead of the 2017 Brownlow Medal count. Picture: Getty Images

She did not attend the press conference on Tuesday at Punt Road but their children sat front row, alongside Hardwick’s mum, Pam, and Crow. She was mentioned by Hardwick.

“To Danielle and the kids, I’m forever grateful for what you’ve given me, the support you’ve given me,” he said.

“And Alex, thanks for the new journey, and obviously your support over the last couple of months has been phenomenal.”

Danielle was left devastated when their 25-year marriage ended and he moved on with Crow, who at the time was working for the Tigers’ commercial sales team.

That was said to be the cause of some tension at the time given Danielle was a much-loved figure at Tigerland. Crow has since moved on from the club to a new job.

Danielle was often referred to affectionately as “Mrs Hardwick” and was shown public support by Brooke Cotchin, wife of former captain Trent Cotchin, shortly after the break-up.

Damien Hardwick’s children, mum Pam, and partner Alexandra Crow, watch on as he speaks to the media following his resignation. Picture: Getty Images

When Danielle spoke for the first time in September 2021 she said she was still grieving and was trying her best to remain dignified and “turn what felt like a negative into a positive”.

Prior to that she established a new venture called Ms Hardwick + Co in a mission to be a mentor and support Indigenous education.

It is still thriving after being inspired by the relationships she formed in her time in the AFL.

“I’m hoping the art will help educate clients through some Indigenous storytelling,” she said.

“This will tie in with my ambassador role for Need A Tutor. This company I have a personal passion for as they support Indigenous education. Education gives all individuals the power to make informed decisions with their lives.

Damien Hardwick and Alexandra Crow at the 2022 Richmond Best and Fairest. Picture: Morgan Hancock

“Both these endeavours are built on my personal life philosophies of integrity, being dignified, along with using resources to have a voice where it’s most important.”

Hardwick had often referenced Danielle’s support and credited her with the stunning selection of Marlion Pickett, who played his first game in the 2019 grand final.

“I must admit, she was pushing Marlion harder than anyone,’’ he said after the win.

“She goes, ‘You’ve just got to play him, he’s too good’. She was in the VFL coaches’ box watching me and she kept smiling at me looking at him as he was playing. She’s been a terrific supporter of mine and behind every man is a great woman and I’m very fortunate.”