Tigers set to be rocked by Hardwick decision

Richmond is set to be rocked by the departure of three-time premiership winning coach Damien Hardwick this week.

According to SEN and The Age reports, Hardwick is set to inform his players of the decision on Tuesday, citing “burnout” as a key factor.

Hardwick reportedly informed Tigers CEO Brendon Gale of his call on Monday and has started contacting players via phone.

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Richmond suffered a heartbreaking loss to Essendon at the weekend, and the match is expected to be Hardwick’s final match in charge of the Tigers.

According to The Age, assistant coach Andrew McQualter is expected to lead the side in Sunday’s clash against Port Adelaide. 

After being one of the league’s dominant teams over the last six years, Richmond has struggled so far this season winning just three of its first 10 games, despite an aggressive off-season which saw the arrivals of star duo Jacob Hopper and Tim Taranto.

Hardwick is the longest-tenured coach in Richmond’s history having spent 14 seasons in charge after taking over in 2010.

The 50-year-old’s 160 wins as Richmond coach ranks first overall in the club’s history, having only surpassed the legendary Tom Hafey’s 158 this season.

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