Two years ago, Damien Hardwick made the dramatic decision to resign as Richmond’s coach, leading to his subsequent appointment as head coach of Gold Coast and signalling the end of Richmond’s successful premiership era. Since Hardwick’s departure, Richmond has undergone a major rebuild with a significantly revamped playing roster, while Gold Coast has surged towards its first-ever finals appearance.
Hardwick’s resignation sent shockwaves through the AFL, reminiscent of the Essendon supplement scandal from a decade earlier. In early 2023, although he hinted at feeling fatigued, few anticipated he would leave mid-season. His unexpected exit sparked intense speculation and discussion within the football community.
On May 21, 2023, the news broke, sending fans and media into a frenzy, increasing traffic to SEN’s website dramatically and prompting a flurry of live interviews. Just a day later, Hardwick explained during a press conference that he felt he had exhausted all coaching strategies and needed a break. Shortly after, he took a European holiday, where he met with Gold Coast’s chief, Mark Evans, initiating discussions for his return to coaching.
Stuart Dew, the then-coach of the Suns, was eventually sacked, paving the way for Hardwick’s arrival. While Dew had shown promise by developing a young squad, he ultimately could not secure a finals berth. It’s believed Hardwick was well aware of the Gold Coast opportunity prior to resigning from Richmond, as Evans was intent on securing him as head coach.
Following Hardwick’s appointment, he wasted no time imprinting his vision on the Suns, bringing in former Richmond player Shaun Grigg as an assistant. Meanwhile, Richmond sought to replace him and appointed Adem Yze to lead their rebuilding efforts.
As the 2024 season unfolded, Hardwick faced challenges, claiming that a large portion of the Suns’ ideal premiership list was already in place. The Suns struggled to perform away from home but ended the season with a commendable record. In contrast, Richmond grappled with a steep decline, culminating in a wooden spoon finish.
Rumours circulated about Dustin Martin potentially joining Hardwick at Gold Coast, but while discussions happened, it did not materialise. However, Gold Coast successfully attracted Daniel Rioli from Richmond. This transfer coincided with various other departures from the Tigers, resulting in a significant draft haul that aimed to rejuvenate their team.
As Gold Coast navigated its path upwards with emerging talents and strategic draft picks, Hardwick’s leadership played a vital role in harnessing the potential of the squad. With the Suns currently sitting high on the ladder and aspirations for a prosperous future, Hardwick’s decision to join the club has undeniably reshaped the trajectory of both teams within the AFL landscape. Meanwhile, Richmond’s recovery from its recent struggles appears to be a gradual process, reflecting the far-reaching impact of leadership changes in professional sports.