Watson: How Hardwick became the smartest coach in football

Tim Watson has declared Damien Hardwick the smartest coach in football.

Watson believes Dimma’s decision to quit Richmond during the 2023 season, take a break and then snap up the plum Gold Coast job was a clever and calculated plan which has paid dividends.

After a tough start at Tigerland, Hardwick coached the Tigers to three premierships, including the drought-breaking 2017 flag, but eventually ran out of ways to “cook the sausage”.

By the start of the 2024 season he was in the red and gold of the Suns and is now in charge of one of the most talented lists in the AFL.

His career swerve has been praised by Watson who believes he is a “genius”.

“Damien Hardwick - three flags in four years, becomes a club legend at Richmond,” Watson began on SEN Breakfast.

“He then gets suitably recompensed as a result of that. He decides that he’s had enough, he’s cooked, he’s done, he wants to have a break.

“Hasn’t been overseas for a long time so he goes over to the Amalfi coast, and while he’s laying there up sidles two gentlemen from the Gold Coast Suns with a bag full of money and a contract.

“He signs that, he comes back after having a nice little break from the game, he’s refreshed, he’s suntanned, he’s looking an absolute picture.

“And then he gets the best job in the competition with the best young list in the competition and sets himself up again.

“I mean how smart is that? How few coaches make a smart move like that?”

Co-host Garry Lyon wondered if Hardwick really was so calculated in his planning or if it was more in the fortunate timing.

“You’re saying that’s very calculated. He just might have got to that stage without thinking that far ahead,” said Lyon.

“He might have just had enough of coaching at Richmond and needed a break, and everything else (fell into place).”

Watson replied: “I think he had all those things in mind. I think he’s a genius.

“So many coaches just stand on the hill and wait until they get gunned down because of loyalty and all that sort of stuff, which is fine.

“I don’t think anyone denies it when a coach coaches and do the best they possibly can, but that doesn’t mean you have to die there with the football club and wait til somebody gives you the lemonade and sars.”

Lyon floated the possibility that despite his cleverness Tigers fans don’t particularly like Hardwick.

Watson disagrees.

“I don’t agree with that. He will always be a three-time premiership coach at Richmond,” Watson said further.

“The fan doesn’t barrack for the coach, it’s very rare that there is the sort of love associated with the coach of a team.”

The intelligent Hardwick and his Suns, on the back of a 2-0 start, next meet his old boys the Tigers in a Saturday afternoon MCG clash.