Richmond premiership coach Damien Hardwick will reach a major milestone tonight (Saturday, June 2) when the Tigers take on Essendon in the blockbuster ‘Dreamtime at the 'G’ clash.

It will be Hardwick’s combined 400^th game as a player and coach in the AFL competition.

Hardwick started his journey at the game’s highest level as a player with Essendon in 1994.

He went on to play 153 games for the Bombers until the end of the 2001 season, including their 2000 premiership – 101 wins, 51 losses and one draw in total.

After that, he spent three seasons playing at Port Adelaide (2002-04) – 54 games for 43 wins and 11 losses. His last game for Port was its 2004 Grand Final victory over Brisbane.

Hardwick has coached Richmond in 192 games since the start of the 2010 season, for 100 wins (including last year’s Grand Final triumph), 90 losses and two draws.

Only ‘Immortal’ Tiger duo Tommy Hafey (248) and Jack Dyer (222) have coached Richmond in more games.