‘Go to Ibiza’: Dustin Martin’s unique advice to Damien Hardwick

Richmond superstar Dustin Martin gave departing coach Damien Hardwick some unique advice before the coach announced his exit.

Damien Hardwick and Dustin Martin.

Dustin Martin has told Damien Hardwick to head overseas after the former Richmond coach’s bombshell decision to quit the club.

The three-time premiership-winning coach on Tuesday morning revealed he had come to a conclusion the stress off the job became “too much” for him to continue on.

His press conference came after news first emerged on Monday night that Hardwick’s tenure at the club is over after 13 years, the longest serving coach in the history of the football club.

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Martin was one of a handful of senior players Hardwick singled out when thanking people for the support he received throughout his service to the club.

Hardwick said with a chuckle at the emotional press conference that Martin had some unique advice for him.

“The biggest thing on my plate at the moment is to decompress,” Hardwick said.

“Speaking to some of the players, Dustin suggested I go to Ibiza, and Bakes (Liam Baker) suggested I go to Lake Grace. It’s somewhere in between where I’ll find myself. I am looking forward to a break.

“The job of an AFL senior coach is very, very tough. Don’t get me wrong - I loved it. But I’m looking forward to a break.

Damien Hardwick and Dustin Martin.

“It’s been an incredible journey for 13-14 years but it is very consuming. The job of AFL coach is very, very tough. Don’t get me wrong I love it to death. But I need a break.”

The 50-year-old said he will now take time away from the game — and has no immediate plans to return to the football industry.

Hardwick’s decision to quit has sent shockwaves across the sport with speculation he could be an option for the Gold Coast Suns if senior coach Stuart Dew leaves.

The veteran coach broke down in tears when thanking the people who have supported him along the journey.

“The way this club supported me, gave me the best support available, the best resources available, it’s a testament to what I think we’ve created and a legacy that will continue to go on,” he said.

Hardwick was again emotional when first addressing his senior players, mentioning Jack Riewoldt, Trent Cotchin, Dylan Grimes and Martin.

Fox Sports News showed the moment Damien Hardwick wiped away tears.

“You all mean the world to me. I love you all,” he said.

“I’ve enjoyed every aspect of being your coach, but I’ll enjoy every aspect of watching you go on with your careers and whatever you choose to do.

“From the bottom of my heart boys, I wish you all the best.”

Hardwick also wiped away a tear when addressing his family, which was sitting in the front row.

He singled out his ex-wife Danielle and new partner Alex.

Highly rated Richmond assistant coach Andrew McQualter has been appointed interim coach effective immediately and the club is now looking to find its next senior coach.

There have been rumblings in recent weeks the club is facing a bleak few years as it faces a re-build after so many years at the top of the table.

There has also been criticism of the club’s decision to use top draft picks to recruit senior players in recent years, including Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper.

Despite this, Hardwick said his successor will be well placed to lead the club to a bright future.

“We’ve got an outstanding group,” he said.

“Whilst we did invest significant draft capital. We’ve brought in two players in Taranto and Hopper that are going to be outstanding players for the next 6-7 years. So whichever coach takes over is going to be in a very good place.

“This list in a very, very good place. This club is in a very good place going forward.”

Martin has previously ben linked with bombshell moves to Sydney, despite remaining contracted with Richmond until the end of the 2024 season.

Originally published as ‘Go to Ibiza’: Dustin Martin’s unique advice to Damien Hardwick