From the Age
Tigers had to check 'policy' on new Hardwick relationshipBy Jon Pierik
January 4, 2021 — 3.46pm
Damien Hardwick's new relationship with a younger Richmond staffer had to be approved by the club's human resources policy for him to remain as coach of the club.
Hardwick, 48, last month confirmed he had split from wife Danielle, with whom he has three children. He has begun a new relationship with a member of the Tigers' commercial sales team.
There had been growing speculation on Sunday night that the three-time premiership coach may be forced to step down but the Tigers denied this when questioned by The Age and Sydney Morning Herald.
However, on Monday, the Tigers released a statement confirming Hardwick and the woman had been transparent about the relationship.
"The club is aware that coach Damien Hardwick is currently in a relationship with a member of the club's administration staff. The club has no concerns with this under club policy," a statement read.
"Beyond this, it is a private matter and we ask that privacy be respected."
Hardwick and his new partner have been seen in Queensland and Melbourne in recent weeks.
Sources said she had joined him in the AFL hub at the back end of the season when the Tigers again celebrated the ultimate success.
One of the AFL's most respected figures, Hardwick has often made reference to his wife as "Mrs Hardwick" during press conferences, and she was a much-adored figure at Punt Road. She was credited with helping to have Marlion Pickett selected to make his senior debut in the 2019 grand final.
"I must admit, she was pushing Marlion harder than anyone. She goes: 'You've just got to play him, he's too good'. She was in the VFL coaches box watching me and she kept smiling at me looking at him as he was playing," Damien Hardwick said.
"She has been a terrific supporter of mine and behind every man is a great woman and I'm very fortunate."
The Tigers do no believe the split will impact on the playing group or the club as a whole.
Danielle Hardwick and her two daughters spent Christmas morning with Tigers captain Trent Cotchin and his family. Cotchin's wife, Brooke, posted a picture on Instagram of the Hardwick girls on Christmas Day, declaring them "second fam".
"What a special Christmas morning. Our hearts are full. Love you Cotchins," Danielle responded.
Hardwick is not due to return to the club until February.
The Tigers had a tumultuous 2020 season, with several players reluctant to head into hubs. It also emerged Hardwick had become overly negative about the restrictions introduced because of COVID-19 and was told to change his ways.
In the new book The Hard Way: The Story of Richmond's 13th premiership, club president Peggy O'Neal has revealed that her discussion with the coach led to both football manager Tim Livingstone and chief executive Brendon Gale addressing the issue with Hardwick.
"Damien, you could tell, was just irritated. He had something that worked, and this thing was messing it all up. It might have been a matter of him not believing everything he was told, or perhaps asking: 'Does it have to be this extreme?' or 'I'll believe it, but you’ve got to prove it to me'," O'Neal said.
"He just had to be more positive."
AFL executives Richard Simkiss and Simon Lethlean were forced to leave the sport's headquarters in 2017 because of their relationships with younger employees but the Tigers believe this relationship is different. Sources close to Gillon McLachlan said the league chief was aware of the situation.
https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/tigers-had-to-check-policy-on-new-hardwick-relationship-20210104-p56rnm.html
