Does Richmond coach Damien Hardwick deserve contract extension?Adam Baldwin
Foxsports.com.au
December 1, 2015WITH Brad Scott and Adam Simpson putting pen to paper and Nathan Buckley expected to sign a new deal in the coming weeks, just three AFL coaches will enter 2016 without job security.
One of those is Alastair Clarkson, who after clinching his fourth premiership could just about name his price.
However, Brisbane’s Justin Leppitsch and Richmond’s Damien Hardwick need to put runs on the board early in the season to secure their futures.
Given where Brisbane’s list is placed, it’s not so much about wins and losses for Leppitsch, but establishing an environment where the young players want to stick around.
The same can’t be said about Hardwick’s Tigers who must take another step forward in 2016 or risk a season under the microscope.
Hardwick presents a curious case for Tigers chief Brendon Gale, who in recent weeks refused to speculate on a possible extension beyond the coach’s current two-year deal.
“It’s not something we’ve thought long and hard enough for just yet, I mean Damien is contracted for another year,” Gale told SEN on November 17.
“Right now, we are reviewing all aspects of our organisation and he is no different.
“We’ll form a view as to how we actually approach that in the not too distant future.”
The fact that Hardwick’s Tigers have bombed out in three straight elimination finals suggests there’s something missing at Tigerland.
But, that’s a too simplistic view given Hardwick has taken the club from second bottom to regular finalists during his six-year tenure.
Since taking over the reigns ahead of the 2010 season, he has helped develop a list and game plan good enough to defeat the all-conquering Hawthorn.
Hardwick has a career winning percentage of 48.9 per cent, behind only Jeff Gieschen (51.02) and Francis Bourke (56.52) at Richmond in the past 25 years.
He is also ranked third at the Tigers for most number of games coached (135) behind Tom Hafey (248) and Jack Dyer (222).
Despite what Adam Treloar believes, the Tigers are ready to challenge for a top four position and a premiership.
The star midfielder might have snubbed the Tigers, but through Trent Cotchin, Brett Deledio, Alex Rance, Jack Riewoldt and new recruit Chris Yarran the team is not short on star power.
For periods over the past two seasons they’ve looked every bit a side ready to become a force of the competition.
In 2014, Hardwick’s men stormed into an elimination final by winning nine of the final 10 games. Between Round 7 and 17 last season they claimed eight out of 10.
They’ve now won 24 of their past 33 games.
However, what preceded and followed these streaks creates the headaches for Hardwick and his team.
In 2014, the Tigers were 3-10 at Round 14 before their unlikely finals berth ended in disaster at the hands of Port Adelaide in that unforgettable elimination final.
The spotlight was again on Hardwick last season when they won just two of the first six games and then gave up a 21-point lead to North Melbourne in another premature exit from the finals.
The 33-point lead they coughed up against arch enemies Carlton in the 2013 eliminator still hurts Richmond fans.
Gale and president Peggy O’Neal need to weigh up the benefits of endorsing Hardwick ahead of what is potentially a make-or-break season.
“Hardwick has to feel comfortable going into 2016 that he has time on his side to plan and prepare to win that 11th flag for the Tigers,” former coach and captain Kevin Barlett said.
But, others might argue a contract extension before a ball has been kicked in anger is bad business.
Hardwick still has 12 months to run on his current deal and is unlikely to be poached by a rival club.
If they pull the trigger and Richmond makes another sluggish start to the season then questions will be asked not only of Hardwick but why a new deal was necessary.
The equation for Hardwick is simple. Keep the Tiggy train on its current trajectory and a new deal will be a formality.
In the meantime, weathering constant questioning from the media over Hardwick’s future might just be a small price to pay.
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