Richmond likely to offer Damien Hardwick contract extension (Herald-Sun)

[one-eyed]

Richmond likely to offer Damien Hardwick contract extension

    Jon Ralph
    From: Herald Sun
    June 23, 2011 9:07PM

RICHMOND is set to show its faith in coach Damien Hardwick by offering him a contract extension only two seasons into his time at Punt Road.

Richmond president Gary March said yesterday the Tigers board had not yet officially raised Hardwick's contract as an agenda item.

He is likely to be offered a one or two-year extension past his initial three-season deal.

Hardwick will present his half-year report at next month's board meeting, an ideal time to start discussions on that contract.

"We will have a look at it (at) some stage in the second half of the year," said March of the extension.

"We look at it a bit like player contracts - if you feel you have the right person you prefer to lock them away sooner rather than later. It hasn't come on to the agenda yet but I dare say it will.

"We always ask Damien to present at the halfway mark of the year to talk about the KPIs the coaches have set themselves."

The Tigers brains trust is thrilled with the development across the board, although the defence is still considered too porous.

Much of that has come down to the injuries to key backs, with the club's best defender, Kelvin Moore, not playing a single game.

Dylan Grimes also went down with season-ending hamstring surgery, while David Astbury is out with a dislocated kneecap.

Full-back Alex Rance has improved significantly in his absence, with the coaching of former Brisbane Lion Justin Leppitsch seen as integral in his development and body positioning.

The club's clearance and centre-bounce numbers are way down on last year but better use of the ball has Richmond pushing for September.

Richmond will gain a better understanding of where it is at when it takes on another finals aspirant, Melbourne tomorrow.

The Tigers are encouraged by the recent progress of Mitch Morton, who has returned to the club after time away for personal issues.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/richmond-likely-to-offer-damien-hardwick-contract-extension/story-e6frf9jf-1226080869387

[Hard Roar Tiger]

Good idea but Make it 1 year Tigers, as good as it looks we've been burnt too many times in the past

[Ekto]

Dimma is the key to the future success of our Mighty Tigers through his knowledge of the game and his coaching methods which have brought our team from the bottom to be on the way to the top while developing player's skills, team ethic and a sound gameplan.

I'd be happy to give him another 3 year contract because it does take a long time to get up the ladder and once there it will be vital to keep consistency in the hierachy to ensure we stay there for as long as we can.

[WilliamPowell]

I am happy with Dimma as coach, think he is doing a great job

But I have to say I not a believer in giving contract extensions to coaches when the existing contract has another 12 months to run anyway.

Dimma isn't going anywhere so why the rush?

Let's just concentrate on getting through this season and then look at this in 2012

[Go Richo 12]

I am happy with Dimma as coach, think he is doing a great job

But I have to say I not a believer in giving contract extensions to coaches when the existing contract has another 12 months to run anyway.

Dimma isn't going anywhere so why the rush?

Let's just concentrate on getting through this season and then look at this in 2012

True! Let us not forget the mistakes Essendon made with extending Knight's contract early! Having said that though, i think Dimma is a much better coach than Knighta!

[Rodgerramjet]

I am happy with Dimma as coach, think he is doing a great job

But I have to say I not a believer in giving contract extensions to coaches when the existing contract has another 12 months to run anyway.

Dimma isn't going anywhere so why the rush?

Let's just concentrate on getting through this season and then look at this in 2012

Totally correct, I absolutely hate it when March talks to the media, has no idea.

[RollsRoyce]

On another point in the article: Since when is Kelvin Moore our best defender? There was evidence that Dylan Grimes had already surpassed him in that third tall role. I reckon we're missing Grimes' input much more.

[The Big Richo]

I am happy with Dimma as coach, think he is doing a great job

But I have to say I not a believer in giving contract extensions to coaches when the existing contract has another 12 months to run anyway.

Dimma isn't going anywhere so why the rush?

Let's just concentrate on getting through this season and then look at this in 2012

Agree with this 100%.

Why wouldn't you just renew a contract when the previous one is close to expiry? How many coaches have been 'poached' in the history of the AFL? Bugger all and none in recent years.

Imagine if he got a an extension and then the arse fell out of the side next year and finished bottom 4, while Mick Malthouse splits from Collingwood and is without a job.

[JVT]

Sounds like the media asked March the question to get a story. I dont think he just started talking about Hardwick's contract. Nothing will come of this until next year.

[Coach]

On another point in the article: Since when is Kelvin Moore our best defender? There was evidence that Dylan Grimes had already surpassed him in that third tall role. I reckon we're missing Grimes' input much more.

What? Since when was Grimes playing third tall? He was full back when he played this year. Moore is definitely one of our best defenders

[The Big Richo]

Totally correct, I absolutely hate it when March talks to the media, has no idea.

Well said, March and Craig Cameron should never be allowed near a microphone. It is always cringe-worthy.

[Francois Jackson]

why is anyone surprised. Nothing new to me when March/Cameron leak information out to the public.

Absolutely against this, no matter how much i like Dimma.

[Hellenic Tiger]

Exactly gag March and Cameron for good.

No need to offer a contract extension until this time next year even though I feel as most do that Dimma has done a splendid job thus far with our list and our playing style as well as the morale of the players.

[mightytiges]

There's only four reasons I can think of as to why you would extend someone's contract this far out from the end of the current one ..
(a) He'll either walk or be poached to a better offer near the end of the current deal (That's not Dimma's style)
(b) You're 100% convinced he's the right and best man for the job.
(c) You can sign him up now to a cheaper salary than if you wait until next yeat and we end up well exceeding our expectations (ie. playing finals in 2011 & well on our way to playing finals again in 2012).
(d) It'll take pressure off the club next year when Dimma is in his final year of his contract and the media will jump on every loss equating it to whether Dimma survives or not.

IMO we should wait until the beginning of next year at the earliest. While things are looking up and improving on-field from where we were we are still daylight away from being a genuine top side. Way too early to judge yet. I wish too March and the Club would shut their traps when it comes to things like this.

[RollsRoyce]

On another point in the article: Since when is Kelvin Moore our best defender? There was evidence that Dylan Grimes had already surpassed him in that third tall role. I reckon we're missing Grimes' input much more.

What? Since when was Grimes playing third tall? He was full back when he played this year. Moore is definitely one of our best defenders

The claim in the article was that Moore is our BEST defender, which I just find ludicrous. Grimes may have started at full back, but was initially monstered by players like Franklin and Cloke. It was only when he was given the job of third up tall, which he's more suited to at the minute while he's still developing, that he started to shine.