Hardwick admits he only has himself to blame in underestimating EllisDaniel Cherny
The Age
20 May 2019Richmond coach Damien Hardwick has pointed the finger at himself for focusing too much on what Brandon Ellis can’t do, rather than the premiership defender’s capabilities.
Ellis had been a regular under Hardwick since the start of 2012 but has found himself in and out of the side over the past 14 months.
But the creative dasher was one of Richmond’s best on Sunday, finishing with 35 disposals.
Hardwick accepted that he had become too concerned with the cons of Ellis’ game.
“He’s had some challenges, there’s no doubt. The great thing about Brandon, the thing I love, is he accepts the areas he’s got to get better at,” Hardwick said.
“But also as a coaching group, I probably didn’t understand and back in his strengths enough. That was on me. To his credit, he’s gone on and is playing some wonderful footy. He’s playing his natural game, his ability to run and create, use the ball, mark, has just been really evident for me to see, which is really pleasing.”
Hardwick acknowledged his own vulnerability as a coach.
“I was probably looking at areas of his game, they’re not poor, but they’re probably below in some areas. But what I sort of forgot as a coach, and it’s really poor on my behalf, is that he’s great in a lot of areas. I’ve got to remind myself to look at those areas. Now we’re seeing the dividends of our coaching group backing him in,” Hardwick said.
“It’s a good reminder to all of us coaches.
“It happens from time to time, and at stages I’ve got to get better at catching myself doing it. I know when I’m at my worst, unfortunately, Brandon’s one of those guys, he’s really close to me, that cops it the most.”
https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/hardwick-admits-he-only-has-himself-to-blame-in-underestimating-ellis-20190519-p51p2k.html
