Richmond coach Damien Hardwick is adamant he’ll continue to go in to bat for his players amid queries over whether he gets too personal when publicly defending his AFL charges.
Hardwick has received criticism after taking umbrage to Fox Footy commentator Jonathan Brown’s suggestion out-of-form forward Tom Lynch be moved up the ground during Saturday’s win over North Melbourne.
In his post-match press conference, Hardwick suggested Brisbane great Brown consider “putting his hand up to coach” as it was “easy to sit there and make judgement calls”.
Hardwick previously had a crack at David Schwarz in August 2020 over comments the former Demons forward made about Lynch, while he criticised Sydney counterpart John Longmire’s defensive set-up after a game against Swans last July – though he later conceded the latter comments were out of line.
Hardwick on Wednesday emphasised that backing his players was a key part of his job.
“Not really my concern. My job is to support my players, end of story,” Hardwick said.
“If people get sensitive to it then part and parcel of the job as far as I’m concerned.
“We’re all big boys, I’m sure Jonno Brown’s OK with it.
“He’ll call me a dickhead the next time he sees me and I’ll probably call him one as well – so we move on pretty quickly.”
Friday’s clash with GWS is crunch time for Richmond, who sit two points behind the eighth-placed Giants with two games to play in the home-and-away campaign, as they attempt to keep their three-peat hopes alive.
Hardwick said the Tigers, winners of three of the past four grand finals, were “in a reasonable place with big-game experience” and felt they were hitting their straps ahead of Friday’s “enormous challenge”.
“There’s been bits and pieces that have improved. There’s been some inconsistency of performance – we’d obviously like to iron out those,” he said.
“But we look at the way we’ve been playing there’s been more Richmond-like performances – if that makes sense – in the way we’ve gone about the game and the way we’ve played.
“So look, ideally we’d still love to be in a little bit better shape than what we are at the moment but there’s some things that we’re doing in our game that we really like.”
Hardwick said defender Nathan Broad was “probably 50-50 to play again this year” after failing to pull up well in his recovery from a syndesmosis injury.
Wingman Kamdyn McIntosh is in contention to return from a hamstring injury, while Hardwick hinted debutant Maurice Rioli Jnr and fellow youngsters Hugo Ralphsmith and Thomson Dow would retain their spots.
pablocruz
Roar Rookie
What a load of . . . !
Jmh
Roar Rookie
Dimma is starting to sound a lot like sheedy I think
shifty
Roar Rookie
All of a sudden the arrogance of three peat hawks fans doesn't seem as bad.
Richard Atkins
Roar Rookie
Go Tiges
Chris_S
Roar Rookie
Good on Jonathan, never lost a game during his afl coaching career
Brendon the 1st
Roar Rookie
If Dimma walked into his loungeroom and took a dump in the middle of the floor, he’d put it in a glass box and sit on his mantle piece so he could sing the Tigers song to it every night, whilst trying to convince everyone that it’s all part of Richmond’s grand plan to win the next 6 premierships :stoked:
Brendon the 1st
Roar Rookie
I believe Browny's Jaw is made of titanium from the time he headbutted that car and the car had to be towed away lol
pablocruz
Roar Rookie
Who is/are the Richmond hierarchy you speak of? Not sure O'Neal, Benny or Balme have had much to say on the matter.
jutsie
Roar Rookie
Think the only people getting overly sensitive are the richmond hierarchy. Dimma's lack of self awareness when lashing out at critics is going into Trump areas :laughing:
pablocruz
Roar Rookie
Can't believe Jonathon Brown keeps a straight face when he says footy 'is an improved product' due to the rule changes and smirks when he tells us the 'stand' rule was introduced to stymie Richmond. Time for Brownie to retire to his farm in Colac or wherever. Take Gary 'I was the greatest' Lyon with him.
DingoGray
Roar Guru
In your opinion. I'm not losing sleep over your reflection on me. As I'm sure you don't on me.
O M
Roar Rookie
"Just not a very good human." You've gone way too far there Dingo. It's actually quite a poor reflection on you.
DingoGray
Roar Guru
I don't like Dimma probably from my own personal morale position, let's leave it at that. As for the Tigers- i don't dislike them at all. I'm quite envious of their performance. They've got some absolute stars and genuine good people within the Club. Even starting at the top- Gale looks from an outsider a stand up guy. I'm think Cotchin has been an outstanding leader. Riewoldt a great media performer. But I'm not a fan of your coach. He's a great coach. Just not a very good human.
DingoGray
Roar Guru
I don't dislike the Tigers at all. A very good team who everyone wants to beat. They are a great example ON the field of what other Clubs want to be. Have some great characters a the Club too. I enjoy listening to Jack Riewoldt in the media. Cotchin has always carried himself extremely well as skipper. Enjoyed watching Nank go from unwanted Swan to Premiership Player. Bachar, Edwards, McIntosh- loved the story of Pickett. There's some great stories. But I'll also call out the stuff I don't like.
O M
Roar Rookie
Yeah, we know you don't like Dimma, or the Tigers! I know you wouldn't let that taint your commentary.
DingoGray
Roar Guru
Of course you do. While every coach sticks up for their players and they absolutely should do, so should Dimma, the classy one's don't revert to personal digs like Dimma has done. My belief Dimma is a DH is not just his media digs.....
O M
Roar Rookie
DH is for Damian Hardwick!! I for one enjoy the way he pushes back on these overpaid media clowns who love to tear down AFL players at will and at times for their own vindictive and biased pleasure.
O M
Roar Rookie
Talk about glass jaws! Fickle overpaid Commentators who love to hand it out but can’t take it themselves. They mercilessly pillory players at their will and at times for their own vindictive enjoyment. Can’t stand them. Good on you Dimma….tear them a new one!
Clear as mud
Guest
we made success from loyalty and that will be a key factor in our decline (already is) oh well
The Dom is good
Roar Rookie
dima will get worse with his arrogance when they start finishing 9th again soon