Hardwick backs Kingsley for Pies job but delivers a warning for aspirantsBy Jon Pierik and Damien Ractliffe
The Age
June 11, 2021Richmond coach Damien Hardwick has warned inexperienced assistant coaches about seeking to replace Nathan Buckley at Collingwood but has strongly endorsed Adam Kingsley for the high-profile role.
A former premiership teammate with Hardwick at Port Adelaide in 2004, Kingsley, 45, has been a long-time AFL assistant through stops with the Power, Saints and, since 2019, the Tigers.
“You only have to see what our players think of him and I think the people that he has worked with at previous clubs would speak highly of him as well,” Hardwick said.
“I know, from my point of view, he was highly sought after a couple of years ago. I sort of managed to talk him into staying just for his own development. He has been incredible for our footy club. I have no doubt he can coach his own side in his own right and I think he is ready now.
“I hope to keep him as best I can but he is ready to coach, ready to go.”
Kingsley has been a highly rated midfield coach and this year is the Tigers’ defensive strategy and backs coach.
It’s been often pointed out that coaching the Magpies is unlike any other club because of the focus they generate, but Hardwick agreed that having spent time at the Tigers, also a power club, could give Kingsley “a leg up”.
“I think so but wonderful coaches are wonderful coaches. I just think he is a wonderful coach. He has a great relationship with his players, a great understanding of the game, and his worst day will be his first day. He will get better every time,” Hardwick said.
However, the triple premiership coach delivered a warning to inexperienced contenders.
While he did not specifically mention Sam Mitchell, who has also been linked to the Magpies’ job, the former Hawthorn skipper is among that group. Mitchell, 38, is a year older than Hardwick was when he was named Tigers’ coach in 2009, having been an assistant coach in the Hawks’ 2008 premiership.
Mitchell is in his fourth year as an assistant and development coach, and is leading the VFL Hawks this season.
“The sooner you get that senior coaching job, the sooner you are out of the game. My advice to a lot of players, and I have got no doubt that I was too young and inexperienced where I was at, the more experience you can get in certain roles and certain jobs, is really, really important,” Hardwick said.
“I think everyone is in a rush to get to the top but the fact of the matter is, as soon as you get to the top, you are quickly back on the scrap heap. I would be no rush if I was some of those younger guys trying to get a senior coaching job. Keep learning your craft and keep getting greater experience at what you can do.”
https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/hardwick-backs-kingsley-for-pies-job-but-delivers-a-warning-for-aspirants-20210611-p58057.html
