Richmond CEO Brendon Gale has outlined the process that led to the Club’s decision to extend Damien Hardwick’s coaching contract for a further two years beyond this season.

The Tigers announced yesterday that Hardwick would remain as their coach until the end of 2018.

“We’re consistent in the way we evaluate our entire coaching panel,” Gale said on SEN.

Richmond extends Hardwick's contract

“You look at their technical ability and the game plan and the ability to execute.  You look at the ability to manage, lead, communication skills . . . you take into account the list profile.  These sorts of things are pretty standard . . .

“We just formed the view that we believe Damien’s a good coach now, given where he’s taken the Club over the last few years.  But, more importantly, we believe, given his profile, he’s the sort of coach who’s only going to get better. 

“So, on that basis, we were pretty keen to back him in.”

In light of Hardwick’s re-signing, Gale believes the important factor now is for the team to continue to evolve – and that will take a strong, combined effort.

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 “We’ve played in three successive finals series and that didn’t end well . . . The fact is, we’re sort of in the game, but we need to bear down the next few years and become a legitimate contender,” he said.

“That takes a fair bit of work, and it’s a shared responsibility. 

“It’s not just up to the coach and his panel, it’s the responsibility of the entire leadership of the Club. 

“So that’s what we’re looking for.”