HARDWICK ADDRESSES NEW RELATIONSHIP'S IMPACT ON RICHMOND PLAYING GROUPNic Negrepontis
SEN
15 February 2021Richmond coach Damien Hardwick has addressed his new relationship with a club staff member, following his split from wife Danielle, and the subsequent impact it has had on the playing group.
It was reported in January that the Richmond coach needed to have the new relationship ticked off by the club’s human resources department and that the circumstances could impact the playing group.
Speaking exclusively on SEN Breakfast, Hardwick said he addressed the circumstances on day one with the playing group in order to move on and focus on their premiership defence.
“The reality was the first day back I had to speak to the players about it. That’s something we do at the club and it’s important we did so to get on with the business of preparing for Round 1,” he said.
“We just finished a terrific pre-season camp, we always speak about things that are distractions in our lives and distractions and the demise of great teams, that’s the reality of competition.
“Sides will always continually deal with those distractions, but it’s the side that deals with them the best that comes out on top and we’re now fully focused on preparing for Round 1.
“My players are understanding of my situation and where we’re at, but what I’ve also got to understand is there’s a lot of staff and players that are incredibly close to Danielle and my family.
“The fact of the matter is my entire family has been a massive part and will continue to be a massive part of the Richmond Football Club and I’m glad they’re supporting her (Danielle).
“This isn’t about taking sides, it’s just about making sure what’s best for everyone.
“It was important that the first time they saw me, I spoke about it openly and honestly. That was the reality of the situation and until I did that we couldn’t really move forward.”
Hardwick hopes that his private life can now return to being private.
“These things happen in all walks of life and they’re not easy on anyone, but all we ask is for the respect for both myself and Danielle so we can move forward,” he said.
“I’m very much of the opinion that people’s private lives should be just that, private.
“I know sections of the media won’t treat it that way, but that’s how I’m treating it.
“Danielle and I's priority is our three beautiful kids … to finish the topic off really, it’s been a difficult time for everyone and it’s something I’m not comfortable speaking about.”
Hardwick added that the situation was not addressed or mentioned during the Queensland hub.
https://www.sen.com.au/news/2021/02/14/hardwick-addresses-new-relationships-impact-on-richmond-playing-group/