Richmond coach Damien Hardwick has admitted he acted inappropriately during a heated verbal exchange with opposition players at the club’s VFL match last weekend, saying he “needs to be better”.
It is alleged Hardwick called Williamstown players involved in a melee “weak f—ing pricks”, during the match at Punt Road Oval last Saturday following an on-field incident between Tigers AFL-listed player Rhyan Mansell and Williamstown’s Darby Henderson.
Speaking on Thursday for the first time since the incident, Hardwick acknowledged his reaction was out of line.
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“I understand in my position I’ve got to be better than that,” he said.
“I’ve got to be probably judged to a higher standard, and I understand that. What I will ask is that (people remember) I am human.
“I’m going to make mistakes and there’s no doubt that I overstepped the mark.”
The incident that sparked Hardwick’s expletive-laden exchange occurred just over a minute into the match when Mansell was hit from behind.
Mansell and Williamstown midfielder Henderson were both chasing a ball towards the boundary line before a bump from the Tigers youngster sent Henderson sliding into the advertising hoarding around the boundary.
After dusting himself off, Henderson charged at Mansell, who was grappling with a second Williamstown player who had come in to remonstrate, knocking Mansell to the turf.
A subsequent flying elbow from Henderson into Mansell’s back resulted in a brief scuffle before the Tiger got up to take his free kick.
Hardwick has not spoken to the league directly about what transpired and refused to confirm what he said, but explained his comments as being “very passionate” about the wellbeing of his players.
“I made a mistake, and the reality is I’m going to make mistakes going forward,” he said.
“Hopefully not too many, but I’ll always defend my players, you guys know that.
“I probably didn’t need to lean over the fence and yell but that’s me.
“What makes me good makes me bad.”
The three-time premiership winning coach did not draw any sanctions from the Tigers or the AFL, but did receive disciplining from his mother.
“Not from the AFL but my mum Pam, who gave me a very stern reminder about my behaviour,” he said.
“It’s funny how you’re still scared of your mother at the age of 49.
“But look, the AFL asked for some clarification and we gave them that… They sought clarification, so whether that’s an investigation (or not), they haven’t spoken to me.
“I can’t control that, all I do know is I’m very passionate about my players.”
Hardwick also addressed the persistent speculation surrounding Dustin Martin departing the club, stating he was certain the 31-year-old would remain at Richmond for the next two years.
“I’ve got no doubt he’ll be there next year,” he said.
“The fact the matter is and we have said this publicly – he’s a Richmond man for the next two years.”
Hardwick will take part in his 500th AFL match as a player or coach this Sunday, when the Tigers meet the Lions at the MCG.
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