Damien Hardwick speaks positively about his and Richmond’s future

DAMIEN Hardwick fronted the media pack but oozed positivity as he answered questions about his job security, his side’s scoring woes and board challenges.

Damien Hardwick faces the media. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

THERE were no microwaved memberships, no chicken manure and barely a hint of disenchantment.

Welcome to Positive Punt Road.

In Richmond’s apparent 12 month cycle of excited, disappointed, inquiry, we are already at the inquiry stage after a 2016 season gone wrong.

But you wouldn’t have known it on Thursday. It was a glorious sunny morning at Richmond headquarters, which was fitting given the sunny image many in yellow and black were projecting.

The fans have gathered early for a low-key “captain’s run” on the eve of the Round 21 clash against Collingwood.

Inside “the four walls”, as he likes to call them, Damien Hardwick is about to face the media.

Six cameras and a dozen journalists are waiting in the theatrette as the coach walks in dressed in his customary hoodie and tracksuit pants combo.

He takes a peek at the clock on the wall. It’s 10.17am.

He then stands still, puts both hands in his pockets and smiles. This is defiant Dimma.

Damien Hardwick faces the media. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

Over the next 11 minutes he gets hit by questions about his job security, his side’s scoring woes, board challenges, his assistant coaches, Trent Cotchin’s captaincy (again) and rumoured target Dion Prestia.

Hardwick oozes positivity, even if the Tigers’ failed campaign means some of it rings hollow.

The embattled coach deems it “business as usual” and declares Richmond have a “fantastic board”, “fantastic football department”, “elite players” and “outstanding coaches”.

He says his players are “quick and diligent to understand the errors they’re making” and argues the 7-11 campaign has presented the club with an “area of opportunity”.

The only thing missing is another zinger about Mrs Hardwick.

When the question comes two minutes in about speculation over his job, Hardwick smiles broadly.

“It’s all external noise for us,” he says.

External noise. It’s a phrase Hardwick will use seven times in the next nine minutes.

“We probably don’t comment on the external noise, hence it being external noise,” he says.

He talks injuries, GWS being a legitimate flag threat and how the Richmond players are coping.

“We are trialling some things. We’re looking to springboard in 2017 and offensively you’d say it’s not working at the moment with the eight goals (in the last two weeks),” Hardwick says.

“There’s no point continuing to do the same things if you’re not going to make the finals.”

Forwards coach Greg Mellor is jumped on by Jack Riewoldt Ty Vickery Anthony Miles and Sam Lloyd. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

Journo: “Do you worry about the consequences if you get another performance like that (GWS game)?

Hardwick: “We’ve played the top side and the second top side. Where are we on the ladder?”

Journo: “Not near the top.”

Hardwick: “Exactly right. We probably get what the ladder would suggest”.

“From our point of view we’re playing a side that’s really similar to us this week in Collingwood ... it will be a much more even competition.”

The press conference rolls on to the board. “The board. Zero debt, 72,000 members, good luck,” he says.

Asked about the prospect of boardroom upheaval, Hardwick laughs. “Listen, the best organisations in the world are stable environments.”

Prestia or draft picks? “List management ... we don’t comment on that”.

Do you trade some of your established talent like St Kilda? “We’ve got really good players here ... a lot of young players we haven’t seen the best of. It will be a quick bounce (back) from my point of view.”

Cotchin captaincy criticisms? More laughs. “It’s probably the scrutiny we’re used to. Richmond footy club, it always comes around.”

Damien Hardwick gives direction to Trent Cotchin, Adam Marcon and Dustin Martin. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

Back outside the players are welcomed onto the ground by a small, but dedicated group of fans.

Among them are Jarrod and Renee Pride, who are down from NSW for a few days after booking their trip back in March.

“There was a lot more hope back then,” Pride says with a smirk.

“But I don’t know if sacking the coach is the right way to go. We’ve been there done that.”

Ashley Simmons is like-minded with his two boys, Oliver, 10 and Zach, 7.

“Like anything. you’re going to have your ups and downs and you can’t chuck it in just when the chips are down. You’ve got to stay long term,” Simmons says.

As the players go through light drills at either end of the ground, Hardwick strolls the turf mainly with his own thoughts for company. He chats with several players briefly and spends some time with physical performance manager Peter Burge.

Before retreating back indoors, the players grab textas from a bag hanging on the fence and sign autographs for encouraging supporters.

Lyn is one of them, standing by the fence as she does almost every week.

“I’m happy with the coaching and the way most things are going,” she says.

“I’m feeling fine about the future. It turned around for Geelong (in 2007). I don’t see why they can’t emulate that and that gives me some hope.”

There’s still plenty of that at Positive Punt Road.