Robbo says Hinkley's interview is on Thursday which differs from Caro who said it was last (Monday) night ....'Bridesmaid' Damien still Tigers' favouriteMark Robinson | August 18, 2009
DAMIEN Hardwick remains a strong contender for Richmond's coaching position, despite missing out yet again on a senior gig.
The dual premiership defender was bridesmaid for the third time yesterday after North Melbourne announced Brad Scott to a three-year deal.
Hardwick, who was thought to have the job after being interviewed on Wednesday night, and interim coach Darren Crocker were among the final list of candidates.
The Hawthorn assistant coach was on the short list of five for the Melbourne job, losing out to Dean Bailey, and was second to Matthew Knights for the Essendon role -- both at the end of the 2007 season.
He has been interviewed twice by Richmond for its position and -- along with interim coach Jade Rawlings, Geelong assistant Ken Hinkley and Essendon assistant Alan Richardson -- is waiting for a decision, which is expected early next week.
Sportsbet closed betting two weeks ago and Hardwick was favourite at $2.25, from Rawlings ($3.50), Hinkley ($4.50) and Richardson ($13).
Richmond football manager Craig Cameron said yesterday the North decision did not affect the club's standing with Hardwick and vice versa.
"None at all," Cameron said.
"We don't know what sort of process each club has run. Everyone has different requirements for their organisation and, in some ways, you've got to back yourself.
"If you make calls based on what other people think and you get them wrong . . . that's a silly way to go.
"Damien has performed very well (in his two interviews).
"There's been nothing in his interviews we had with Damien that concerns us."
Hardwick and Richardson have sat two interviews, Rawlings was scheduled to meet the coaching sub-committee for a second time last night and Hinkley's second appointment is for Thursday night.
From there, two of the four candidates will front Richmond's board early next week and a final decision is expected soon after.
"We are pretty happy with the group and that's why we said we are under no pressure about Hardwick may go to North because we had a pretty good group to start with," Cameron said.
A regular board meeting will be held tonight, but the coaching situation will not be discussed.
Hardwick played in premierships at Essendon (2000) and Port Adelaide (2004) and played a major role in Hawthorn's premiership campaign last year.
He did not return calls last night, nor did his manager Michael Quinlan.
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sport/afl/story/0,26576,25943461-19742,00.html