The men at the top: Mid-year coach ratingsNathan Schmook
afl.com.au
July 1, 2015Damien Hardwick - RichmondAfter six rounds and a 2-4 record, Damien Hardwick was under pressure. CEO Brendon Gale was forced to defend him publicly and there were doubts crucial defender Alex Rance would re-sign with the club. It is a testament to both Hardwick's nerve and the club's leadership that he has turned Richmond around and got them on track for a third consecutive finals appearance. His crucial move was to cease the Tigers' rapid, attacking style of play and revert to a more patient, controlled style where possession was valued and hitting up shorter targets was the norm. It has delivered five wins in six matches. Sometimes ridiculed for saying the Tigers could beat anyone on their day, Hardwick has been proven right with important wins against Fremantle and the Sydney Swans on the road. He remains under pressure because the Tigers have shown they can dramatically drop off, and a finals win this year is expected.
Contracted until: End of 2016
Pressure rating: 7/10http://www.afl.com.au/news/2015-07-01/midyear-coach-ratings