Watch here: https://www.richmondfc.com.au/video/1264661/-we-got-some-great-insights-in-what-s-going-to-take-us-forward-hardwick-----------------------------------------------------
Hardwick's insightful hiatusBy Grace Kalac,
Richmond Media
25 January 2023Richmond senior coach Damien Hardwick says his recent stint in the US has given him "some great insights in what's going to take (the Tigers) forward" in 2023.
The three-time premiership coach returned for the pre-season earlier this month after visiting a number of American sporting clubs, including the Dallas Mavericks and a trip to Detroit, to deepen his own knowledge and coaching craft.
"I learnt a lot... One thing we always ask the players to do is develop, both professionally and personally, and it's something we take on board as a coaching group, we always aspire to do the same," Hardwick said.
"It's a really good time to reflect, to assess, to amend the process and the outcome to get a better result in season 2023."
The Tigers were in good hands in Hardwick's absence, his time away showcasing the confidence he has in his assistant coaches to lead from the front.
"Sometimes the best form of my leadership is to step back and others rise, and that's what happens at this time," Hardwick said.
"They know what they're doing, they've been around a long period of time, and it's good for the playing group as well.
"It's also good for their growth. We're very fortunate to have guys that have coached at senior level in David Teague and Ben Rutten, but then we've got young emerging coaches such as Andrew McQualter, Xavier Clarke, and some young development guys in Steve Morris, Sam Lonergan and Kane Lambert.
"Those guys have been very impressive in the way they've got about their coaching and it gives them a chance to step up."
As pre-season training ramps up with increased match practice, the group is already seeing the benefits of new additions Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper in addressing their midfield needs.
"There were a couple of areas last year we needed to get better but just didn't quite the result we were looking for in those and that's what let us down again," Hardwick said.
"Our stoppage craft is an area that we need to get better and the addition of Tim and Jacob we think will help us, they're the ultimate professionals.
"It's funny, you bring some new toys in and it creates a level of excitement for not only the coaching group but more importantly, the playing group.
"They use the ball well, they push and shove around. It's going to be a great addition for our midfield to further strengthen an area of our game that probably hasn't been to the level that we would like."
Excited by the Richmond's young talent within its defensive unit, Hardwick is looking forward to those cubs taking a jump this season.
"Ben (Rutten) comes back to us with great experience and having been at Richmond previously, so he understands the style we want to play," Hardwick said.
"They'll be a few things that we'll do a little bit differently to try and improve, but most of it is going to be a tinkering to the system and personnel-based, making sure we continue to develop these younger-type defenders that we've got."
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/1264707/hardwick-s-insightful-hiatus
