Damien Hardwick gushes over Suns but didn’t like one question

Damien Hardwick spoke glowingly of his new club, but the incoming Suns coach didn’t appreciate one question from the media.

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 21: Damien Hardwick speaks at a Gold Coast Suns AFL press conference announcing his signing as the new coach at Heritage Stadium on August 21, 2023 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

It’s fair to say Damien Hardwick is a little bit excited about his new job.

In the AFL’s latest “worst kept secret”, Hardwick was confirmed on Monday as the new coach of the Gold Coast Suns starting from the 2024 season.

The 51-year-old has signed a mammoth six-year deal, joking the extra year to what was widely reported as a likely five-year contract was akin to a “Movie World pass”.

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A beaming Hardwick gushed about the Suns being a “wonderful club” and firmly stated his intention to lead the side to its first premiership.

It’s a bold call for an organisation that is yet to make the finals in its 12-year existence, but the three-time premiership-winning coach is confident most of the pieces are already in place.

”I’m very, very, very excited,” Hardwick said in his opening statements to the media.

“I likened it to waking up on Christmas morning to the sight of brand new toys.

New Suns coach Damien Hardwick is like a kid on Christmas morning!

Watch the press conference live: https://t.co/hj6AD5fWmopic.twitter.com/9NNRiCmq65

— AFL (@AFL) August 21, 2023

“We’re capable of doing some special things.

“I’m very much looking forward to coaching these young men and taking us where we need to go and that’s to raise our first premiership cup, which I’m sure will be in the not-too-distant future.

“Eighty per cent of our first premiership side is sitting in this room right now.”

The Suns’ hierarchy famously headed to Milan to meet with Hardwick in an effort to convince him to come on board.

The former Richmond coach admitted there was a “fair chance” he was going to accept the offer anyway prior to the Italian meal they shared.

Damien Hardwick (centre) was a happy man at today’s press conference. Photo: Fox Sports (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

The Suns have faced widespread criticism over their journey so far, everything from list management to member numbers and even team colours.

Rumblings over the role - or more specifically the location - of football boss Wayne Campbell also surfaced this year.

Campbell has been based in Sydney during his tenure with the Suns, flying up for some club meetings and taking others remotely.

Hardwick was flying the company flag on Monday, however, resplendent in his loud red and brown Suns polo shirt.

Damien Hardwick poses with chief executive Mark Evans (left) and chairman Bob East after his press conference on Monday. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

The incoming coach stressed he didn’t want to see any changes in the football department and is immediately targeting September action.

“I’m not the Messiah,” he said. “I’m part of the puzzle that’s going to take us where we need to go.

“That for me is the best part of the job.

“I think every year we’re gunning for finals. I’m not putting any ceiling on this group.”

In a press conference mostly of quips and goodwill, Hardwick did appear to bristle at a question over his supposed “burn out” when he quit the Tigers in May this year.

“I had been in that organisation for 13 years and they needed a new voice,” he quickly fired back. “I love coaching. I’m a career coach.

I wish the arrival of Damien Hardwick also coincided with a complete rethink of the Suns brand. It’s time.

I’ve hated the logo since the day it was unveiled. It’s both over complicated and boring. Everything, down to the jumpers, needs a tweak. #AFLpic.twitter.com/5WMmUV7e5D

— Mark Gottlieb (@MarkGottlieb) August 21, 2023

The worst kept secret in footy is out - the Gold Coast Suns have officially Damien Hardwick as their new head coach today. pic.twitter.com/8Ze5fMcgxl

— Triple M Footy (@triplemfooty) August 21, 2023

“We’ve got a great new bunch of toys that I’m really looking forward to working with and I couldn’t be more excited.”

Yep, we got that.

Hardwick, president Bob East and chief executive Mark Evans, who fronted the media, were also all asked about links between Dustin Martin and the Suns.

Martin won three Norm Smith Medals during Richmond’s three flags under Hardwick and has faced consistent speculation over where he may finish his glittering career.

Damien Hardwick is excited about his new role, but didn’t seem to appreciate one question from the media on Monday. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Martin himself would’ve been proud of the powerful sidestep all three figures performed, with Hardwick stating: “He’s a contracted player at Richmond. List management decisions will come in due course.”

Hardwick closed by stating the Suns would play an “exciting style” of football, which he compared to that currently being displayed by Collingwood, Richmond and GWS.

The Victorian will be a keen observer as interim coach Steven King finishes the 2023 campaign against North Melbourne in Hobart next week before taking over.

The Suns, who sacked Stuart Dew in May, can secure a tenth win of the season against the Kangaroos, which would equal the best return in the club’s history.