Thanks Damien for bringing premiership success to Richmond that I’d never thought I’d live to see. Saw the 1980 flag as an almost 15 year old and figured that was it. Shared the 2017 flag with a Tiger supporting best mate at Punt Road after 30 years of watching misery on a weekly basis. He’s passed from Cancer after the 2019 flag.
Shared the 2019 flag with my younger daughter (15 coincidentally at the time) in standing room at the city end & created a memory the two of us will always share. I’m sure you’ll all have similar stories.
More importantly Damien brought professionalism, enjoyment, work ethic, commitment & team goals back to the club. With Brendan, Peggy, Board, staff, players and everyone else, they’ve established a true Richmond culture that will live well into the future.
All things must pass and nothing stays still. AFL is evolving and if Hardwick has lost the passion to continue then so be it. He probably could have rebuilt the list and evolved his game plan, but if he’s out of energy, then this is the right decision.
We’re forever grateful for what you’ve given us. Success and memories that can never be erased. I hope he coaches on Sunday so we can thank him in person.
And then it’s to the next chapter. New coach to drive the program, energise the ageing heroes and find the new ones. Create some more history. We’ve been here before and we’ll succeed again.
en.wikipedia.org
Cursed his bad luck for a few years , then prob laughing ever since 
