Damien Hardwick wanted ‘Last Dance’ style finish in 2023

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick has revealed when he realised that it was time to bring his decorated 13-year stint to a close.

Richmond triple premiership coach Damien Hardwick has resigned. Picture: Mark Metcalfe / Getty Images

An emotional Damien Hardwick says he entered this season thinking it would be his last as Richmond coach but decided about a fortnight ago not to see it through.

The triple premiership coach has resigned from his role effective immediately, ending a celebrated 307-game period in charge after he took over at the start of 2010.

Richmond has appointed Hardwick’s assistant and former St Kilda player Andrew McQualter as interim coach while the club searches for a replacement.

Hardwick broke down as he told reporters his resignation was “one of the more tough conversations that I’ve had to do”.

“The way this club supported me, gave me every resource possible, gave me the best people possible, it’s a testament to what we have created,” he said.

Damien Hardwick says he is looking forward to time away from coaching. Picture: Quinn Rooney / Getty Images

“I’m really going to miss the fact that I don’t get to see the very, very special people in my life every day.

“I just need a break … I’ve pushed every button I think possible for these guys.”

Hardwick, 50, said he had decided to make 2023 his final season in charge over summer and had designs on bowing out with more success after watching Netflix documentary The Last Dance, which charts the final season of basketball legend Michael Jordan’s career.

“I made the decision that I wasn’t going to be the coach of Richmond next year,” he said.

“I watched the Last Dance, thought that could’ve been for me.

“The best thing for myself was to stand aside. If I couldn’t give 100 per cent there was no way I was going to coach this football club.”

Hardwick said he knew around the time of Richmond’s win over Geelong that he would depart during the season but wanted to wait until after the Dreamtime game due to the occasion and return of co-captain Toby Nankervis to the side.

Hardwick coached the Tigers to three flags in 2017, 2019 and 2020, and but for a Mason Cox preliminary final masterclass could have won four premierships in a row. Picture: Scott Barbour / Getty Images

“It became apparent probably two weeks ago that the time was about right,” he said.

“I’d rather leave too early than too late. I want to make sure I leave loving the game, not resenting the game.”

He said it was important to preserve his relationships at the club by bowing out at this time and singled out the Tigers quartet who played under him for his entire term – Jack Riewoldt, Trent Cotchin, Dylan Grimes and Dustin Martin.

“Jack, Trent, Dylan and Dustin, you all mean the world to me,” he said.

“I rang the great Jack Riewoldt and I said ‘mate are you available to catch up’.

“And of course Jack made it all about him … he’s deeply embarrassed about that, but it just sums up Jack to be fair.”

Hardwick said his top priority was to “decompress”, adding he was in no rush to look for another senior coach role.

“I’m looking forward to a break,” he 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.”

Originally published as Damien Hardwick wanted ‘Last Dance’ style finish in 2023