The team-first philosophy of Richmond coach Damien Hardwick continues to shine through - regardless of any individual recognition or rewards that come his way during his coaching career at Tigerland.

Hardwick, who has had his contract with the Tigers extended by two years, until the end of the 2014 season, spoke with typical humility at the Club’s 2012 season launch at Encore in St Kilda last night (March 15).

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“I’d like to say what a great honour it is to coach this footy club. I’m very appreciative of Gary March and his board for making the decision,” Hardwick said.

“It’s funny how emotional you get when a something like this happens, and it just goes to show how much it means to me, the players, and the Club . . .

“The reality is that my contract extension is a real tick for our football department. 

“It’s so much more than the head coach these days.

“The amount of time and effort that our footy department, as well as our administration, put in, is astronomical. 

“It’s something they need to be congratulated on.”

Hardwick was particularly impressed with how the Club handled his contract extension.

“I think the great thing about our footy club is the way that our process was carried out.

“Not at one stage did anyone stray from the dialogue we had, and it’s a true reflection of the Club, its beliefs and, more importantly, the values it’s going to be built on.”blog comments powered by Disqus