Richmond has extended Damien Hardwick’s coaching contract for a further two years.

Hardwick, who had one year left on his existing deal with the Club, will now remain the Tigers’ coach at least until the end of the 2016 season.

“Having seen the impressive transformation our football team has made in the four years that Damien has been coach, the board had no hesitation in making the decision to extend his contract,” said Richmond’s president Peggy O’Neal.

“We are convinced Damien has the right attributes to guide our playing group. He is totally driven in his quest to make Richmond the best team in the competition.

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“The board and management will provide Damien every support to collectively give us the best chance of success.”

Hardwick, 41, a premiership player at both Essendon and Port Adelaide, took over as Richmond’s coach at the end of 2009, when the Club was languishing in second-last place on the league ladder, having won just five games for that season.

Richmond has made strong progress during the four years Hardwick has been in charge, culminating in its first finals appearance since 2001, in season 2013.

The Tigers finished fifth at the end of the home-and-away rounds, with 15 wins, before losing to Carlton in the elimination final.