Richmond senior coach Damien Hardwick today announced his resignation, effective immediately.

Hardwick, who was appointed as senior coach of Richmond in 2010, coached the Club for a record-breaking 307 games, winning 170 of those and steering the Tigers to three premierships (2017, 2019, and 2020).

Hardwick said he no longer had the energy required to continue as senior coach.

“Coaching is all-consuming, it’s relentless, and you must be totally committed. I have been thinking about this decision for some time, and I feel now is the right time to step away,” Hardwick said.

“I love this Club, the players, staff, and fans too much to continue to coach when I don’t feel like I’m 100% in – you can’t coach like that, and it would be doing the wrong thing by everyone.

“My time as Richmond coach has been the most fulfilling of my time in football. Richmond is an incredible Club full of amazing people. What we have achieved together is something I will cherish for the rest of my life.

“I will be forever grateful for the opportunity Richmond gave me and the unwavering support I have always had from John, Peggy, Brendon, and the rest of the Board. I also thank them for their understanding when I told them of my decision.

“I have been blessed to work with some great coaches and players, and I thank all of them. I have built some amazing friendships that will remain for life.

“I would particularly like to thank Tim Livingstone and Blair Hartley – wonderful football people who do a brilliant job managing our football program and will continue to set the Club up for future success.

“And to the mighty Tiger Army, thank you for your magnificent support. The roar of the Richmond crowd will forever ring in my ears.”

Richmond President John O’Rourke said Hardwick had made an extraordinary contribution to the Club.

“Damien is a giant of our Club, and we thank him for everything he has given us over the past 14 seasons,” O’Rourke said.

“While his three Premierships will be the headline, he has given this Club so much more. He taught us about genuine care, connection, and the power of storytelling. He loved his players, and they loved him.

“His decision came as a shock, but it is something he has given serious thought, and we need to respect the decision he has made.

“It is a measure of the man that he has made this decision in what he sees as the best interests of the Club. Selflessness is one of his great qualities; for that, Damien is and always will be revered as a Richmond man.”