The AFL’s worst-kept secret has been officially confirmed, with Gold Coast announcing Damien Hardwick as its new coach, according to reports.
The three-time premiership coach has been the hot favourite to land the job since predecessor Stuart Dew was sacked after Round 17, with rumours rife and Suns CEO Mark Evans reportedly visiting him during a Europe holiday to pitch the coaching job at the Suns.
Hardwick has signed a six-year contract to become the Suns’ fourth full time coach, following Guy McKenna, Rodney Eade and Dew.
“I firmly believe this is the beginning of an incredible journey with a club and a community that has a burning desire to succeed,” Hardwick said in a statement.
“The Gold Coast deserves a successful team it can be proud of and it’s now my job to deliver that.
“I can see the tremendous potential we have in front of us but understand it will take hard work from here to reach our goals.
“The foundations are in place for us to build this club into a contender for years to come and this is a challenge I am extremely excited to take on.”
The 51-year old, who attended the final game of Tigers legends Jack Riewoldt and Trent Cotchin on Saturday, resigned as Richmond coach in May following a one-point loss to Essendon, citing burnout.
Damien Hardwick. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
However, speculation has circulated ever since that the 2017, 2019 and 2020 premiership coach would return to the fold at another club as soon as 2023, with the Suns a key candidate even before Dew was shown the door.
The Suns sit 15th on the ladder with nine wins for the season, with the best record in their 13-year history a 10-win, 12th-placed finish in 2022.
Hardwick’s arrival is touted as the club’s most significant ever appointment, with footy analyst David King claiming the Suns ‘will win a flag in his first four years’ and could become a ‘destination club’.
Already Tigers great Dustin Martin has been linked to a shift to the Suns to finish his career alongside Hardwick.
Dusty does Danger
Roar Rookie
Sunny, I must be on my Pat Malone but I reckon Dimma has perfect timing. GC is growing like crazy with all the Victorians moving up. ( D Andrews not a great salesman. ) No wonder the Allies won the U18 comp. He gets 3 guns for next year. Tigers won 3 Premierships with 3 guns. Definitely finals bound and watch the membership grow.
Dusty does Danger
Roar Rookie
Shocking on a Friday night! There are not many but AFL should ban Friday night games on the Gold Coast!
Simoc
Roar Rookie
So Hardwick has found his sugar daddy. Gold Coast scooped and will pay through the nose for what. Hardwick initially failed at Richmond then instead of getting sacked, got sent to the USA to learn how to manage. Came back and delegated and who wudda thought/ succeeded? Now with the bloated ego he knows its all about him, and you'll see the Suns continue on the trajectory they've been on forever. The nowhere land where players learn the craft and then move on to footy teams where they are appreciated. They'll win as ever and probably make finals and that will be Hardwicks big deal. Its ok and better than Dew but I wouldn't be shelling out big money for this guy who sees it as his retirement pension. He of course has nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Macca
Roar Rookie
Worked well for Malthouse at the Blues, accelerated his demise pumping up their list before destroying it
RT
Roar Rookie
I think it's being a salesman to supporters or players or both
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
Haven’t seen it. I’ll stream it to check it out. Pretty certain I first saw her in one of the Bond movies. She’s got that sophisticated European sexiness about her.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
“Bam! Would you give a flying fkck what colour pants the son of a b1tch who shot ya was wearing!” Lol, that line cracks me up. I’ve watched it 1000 times.
Laurie
Roar Rookie
Definitely. And don't forget the accent ! She's great isn't she.
Doctor Rotcod
Roar Rookie
Liquid Slip Differential?
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
You should see "The Ring Finger" a European dark drama but it's where l first saw Olga Kurylenko.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
Best comedy acting I’ve seen. Marisa Tomei in My Cousin Vinny. Gorgeous women but fecking hilarious too. A rare double.
Gary
Roar Rookie
The trick is to fluff up the notes, and not leave them in stacks :thumbup:
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
Loved her in Edge of Tomorrow. She’s terrific. First saw her in The Devil Wears Prada. Smokin hot.
Laurie
Roar Rookie
Beyond my knowledge but I'll research. Your Crows would have won any final at Adelaide Oval. A couple of wins in Melbourne and they're a top 6 side next year.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
I was visiting a mate but he got too drunk so l went to the movies. I didn't know what was what. So l just went by actress. She was the best one so l saw Quiet Place 2. Shes so good they should rename Tuesday after her: Emilysday
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
Or that rocking horse scene. Damn!
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
Ohhh, Natalie Portman. I have a thing for her too. :thumbup:
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
Ohhhh, Emily Blunt. Love her accent. She’s hot!
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
I’m giving Nicks 6 weeks. We need to win away. If we lose 3 away games we need to get a new rider. We have the horse. Don’t stuff around. He’s too nice as far as I’m concerned.
Dingo
Roar Rookie
Probably wrong week to say this but the Crows have a lot of upside this year. Just need a few of the close ones to land your way and they end up in top 4. Lots of good young players . Need your half time spray to get them home