Damien Hardwick hasn’t suddenly become a poor coach because his Tigers missed finals in 2021, lost a few games this year and are up against it to add a fourth flag this season.
Richmond have become a lesser team than their peak because their stars are no longer at their peaks (or in Dustin Martin’s case, not there at all for the time being). But that is the natural evolution of a team. That is, we accept Hardwick is a good coach because we have tangible proof in the form of three silver cups, though his players have aged and the list is in transition.
Hardwick is – rightly – not confronting any questions because he has three flags and the certainty of his standing in the game and at his club as his team endures a period of vulnerability. In contrast to other coaches, someone such as Hardwick is a comfort to their club as they seek the next iteration of their team. What Hardwick’s presence says to Richmond is the coaching is one area they don’t need to worry about as they evolve the list.
https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/sport/afl/proof-is-in-the-premiership-why-leon-cameron-is-vulnerable-20220418-p5ae7d.html
