Damien Hardwick

Damien Hardwick reportedly eager to add ex-disciple to Suns’ coaching staff

The assistant coach played in Richmond’s 2017 premiership side.

Published by
Jack Jovanovski

New Gold Coast senior coach Damien Hardwick is reportedly looking to lure one of his former Richmond premiership players to the Suns to be part of his coaching staff.

The three-time flag coach, who was formally announced as Gold Coast's newest head coach in August, has already gotten to work on what his team of lieutenants will look like next season, having already snared Richmond's football analysis manager Hayden Hill.

Hill had served at Punt Road since 2001 before being persuaded by Hardwick to travel north and play a part in Gold Coast's new era under 'Dimma'.

Hardwick, though, appears to just be getting started, as he is now attempting to nab ex-Tiger and current Geelong assistant coach Shaun Grigg to be part of his Suns coaching staff for 2024, according to SEN reporter Sam Edmund.

Grigg assumed his deputy role under Cats senior coach Chris Scott at Kardinia Park following his AFL retirement in 2019, having played in Richmond's glorious 2017 premiership triumph as Hardwick's makeshift ruckman.

Grigg played eight seasons at Punt Road spanning 2011-18, all of which came under Hardwick's guidance, after he was traded to Richmond from Carlton at the end of the 2010 season.

The now-35-year-old averaged 21.3 disposals and 3.0 tackles over the course of his 12-season AFL career.

Published by
Jack Jovanovski