Dimma’s coaching gong
RICHMOND coach Damien Hardwick capped a remarkable transformation last night when he won Allan Jeans Senior Coach of the Year.
Only 12 months after his position was under review, the Tigers’ coach was honoured by the AFL Coaches’ Association.
Hardwick feared he would be sacked after the Tigers finished 13th last year.
But after becoming the first Richmond coach in 35 years to guide the club to a grand final, he was recognised by his peers as 2017’s best coach.
Hardwick received the award at a function at Peninsula, in Docklands, last night.
He narrowly beat Adelaide’s Don Pyke, the man he will face in Saturday’s decider.
Hardwick will be aiming to become the fourth man in VFL-AFL history to be a part of premierships at three clubs, alongside legends Ron Barassi, Leigh Matthews and Mick Malthouse. Hardwick played in flag wins at Essendon (2000) and Port Adelaide (2004).
Coaches’ association chief executive Mark Brayshaw lauded Hardwick for his ability to turn around the Tigers’ fortunes after a frustrating 2016.
“Damien has really shown his mettle this season,” he said.
“He was tested, and ques- tions were asked about him after last year, but he remained steadfast. He’s come back and, through hard work and perseverance, has been instrumental to the Tigers’ revival.
“Throughout his playing career, Damien was known for his grit and toughness, and I think we’ve seen those same qualities shine through.
“[It] is also a testament to Damien’s panel of assistant and development coaches.”
Hardwick polled 294 votes, 11 clear of Pyke. Sydney’s John Longmire was third with 72, from Essendon’s John Worsfold (32) and Greater Western Sydney’s Leon Cameron (31).
Hardwick said midyear he could “quite easily” have been sacked after last season.
“Brendon Gale and Peggy O’Neal have been outstanding. They could quite easily have said, ‘Dimma, it’s time’,” he said on SEN radio.
Dual premiership coach Malcolm Blight was elevated as an AFLCA Coaching Legend — 20 years after leading Adelaide to the 1997 flag.
Blight joins Kevin Sheedy, Matthews, David Parkin, Jeans, Tom Hafey, Barassi, John Kennedy Sr and Malthouse as Coaching Legends.
Sydney’s Rhyce Shaw won Assistant Coach of the Year from Richmond’s Craig McRae and fellow Swan Stuart Dew.