HARDWICK BITES BACK
RICHMOND coach Damien Hardwick has delivered a brutal smackdown to former Demon David Schwarz for “crying” in a Grand Final as he attacked critics of Tom Lynch.
But Schwarz has shrugged off the attack, dismissing Hardwick’s claims over the 2000 Grand Final while he doubled-down on his criticism of Lynch and his on-field antics.
Leaping to the defence of the Tigers’ key forward after he came under fire this week for his “cheap shots” against Gold Coast, Hardwick said the “carry-on” over Lynch’s actions had been over the top and had lacked perspective.
Hardwick said comments from Brisbane Lions player Mitch Robinson had been disappointing but he saved a stinging rebuke for former Melbourne forward Schwarz.
Schwarz claimed Lynch was “not tough” and said he needed to “stop being a knucklehead … and stop trying to be something you’re not”.
Hardwick said Schwarz needed to have a “good look at himself”.
“I know Tom better than everyone on this (media conference) screen but I think if you ask the vast majority of people in the AFL, you could not meet a nicer person within AFL circles,” Hardwick said.
“He is not proud of what he did to young (Alex) Witherden and on the weekend, but the reality is these things happen from time to time.
“Let’s not define a person’s character by that one event, let’s look at a period of work. This guy is incredibly brave on the field, he jumps into packs, he jumps back with courage so for people to sit there and say he lacks courage is completely irresponsible.
“There are a few players out there making comment — mainly I’m looking at David Schwarz here — I played a Grand Final against that bloke (in 2000) and within 20 minutes he was crying, so have a look at himself.”
Schwarz told News Corp he would not “lose any sleep” over Hardwick’s comments but stood by his assessment of Lynch, who he said needed to stop being a “goose”.
“We work in an industry where you have got to give and take and I gave a little bit and he’s given a little bit back,” Schwarz said.
“I don’t take it personally, it’s his opinion.
“My recollection of the 2000 Grand Final is different to that of his.
“That’s OK. I won’t lose any sleep over it, that’s for sure.
“But I stand by my comments. Tom Lynch has got to put the team first and not his own actions and that was the point of one of my comments. Stop being a goose and play the good footy that we know you can play.”
Lynch was slapped with a fine by the MRO for striking Suns players Sam Collins and Jarrod Witts last round.
Hardwick said he loved Lynch’s aggression but acknowledged there would be times, like other players, he overstepped the mark.
“Sometimes he is going to go over and he is going to (give away) free kicks and get a report,” Hardwick said.
HE IS NOT PROUD OF WHAT HE DID TO YOUNG (ALEX) WITHERDEN (BUT) ... THESE THINGS HAPPEN FROM TIME TO TIME.
DAMIEN HARDWICK