Richmond’s dual premiership coach Damien Hardwick is being lauded for his leadership by the AFL club’s chief executive Brendon Gale.
Hardwick’s Tigers claimed a second flag in three seasons on Saturday, hammering GWS by 89 points in a grand final fizzer.
Hardwick’s first premiership as Richmond coach in 2017 came a year after he was close to losing his job.
The Tigers coach has overseen a culture of connection among players, who later Sunday will celebrate with fans at their Punt Road base.
“They really drive those connections and really create an environment where people, and players, can be themselves and celebrate who they are,” Gale told the Nine Network on Sunday.
“What draws them closer together is the coach, Dimma (Hardwick) sets a very powerful role model.”
Gale said the latest triumph had a different feel to the 2017 premiership.
“In ’17 I was relieved – after getting to the big stage you didn’t want to trip up,” he said.
“But this year, we were very confident going in, really well prepared.
“The club is a strong club off the field so I’m proud.
“There is still more growth in the group, so work to do, but today we are just going to enjoy the moment.
“Days like these are so hard to come by.”