Tigers’ appeal is a bit Dimma

RICHMOND president Gary March always aspired to a day when the football world turned against the Tigers.

“We will know we are good when they hate us again,” he used to say to staff members as the Tigers started the long climb back towards respectability.

That mission is finally accomplished, after a summer in which most footy fans are prepared to think the worst of the club given Damien Hardwick’s marriage break-up.

A team that for a time was everyone’s second-favourite team, with the Tiger Train spilling over with passengers, has seemingly overstayed its welcome.

After three flags in four seasons, it seems everyone but their fans are sick of the Tigers.

Yesterday the final member of the big three — coach, chief executive and captain — finally spoke as Trent Cotchin detailed a turbulent summer.

The Tigers will now hope they can move on, having sufficiently addressed the ramifications of Hardwick’s decision.

Cotchin, whose wife Brooke’s Instagram post detailing a Christmas morning spent with Danielle Hardwick flared talk of a player-coach split, is aware of that pervading view that everyone has had their fill of the Tigers.

“Yeah, I think so, I think that’s natural,” he said.

Yet he was adamant he wouldn’t have to play favourites between his beloved football coach and his close family friend in Danielle Hardwick.

“There is definitely no sidetaking. Dimma spoke last week saying he highly encourages everyone to support Danielle,” he said.

“I think what Dimma and I have worked through over a number of years now is really unique and special and like anything we will support both he and Danielle and the kids through this.

“No one likes seeing a family break down … so it’s been a challenging time for all but it’s a private matter I would love to leave alone.”

Richmond’s big names have all sung from the same hymn book about the club’s unity and sense of purpose.

Now only the club’s conduct will convince the sceptics fatigued by Richmond’s winning ways.