The cheeky photo posted by Damien Hardwick that has left Richmond supporters FURIOUS as they prepare to take on Gold Coast Suns
- Hardwick coached Richmond to three premierships
- Now coaches the Suns after stepping down as Tigers mentor
- Fans hope he can transform their club too
New Gold Coast Suns coach Damien Hardwick has posted a cheeky image on social media ahead of their Round 1 match against his old side Richmond – and not all Tigers fans are happy about it.
The Suns, looking for an elusive first finals appearance, begin a new era on Saturday when they host Richmond at their newly renamed People First Stadium.
In a sell-out fixture, Hardwick will begin his long-awaited spell in the north against the club he left midway through last year after nearly fourteen seasons.
And prior to the collision, Hardwick posted a photo of his children and his golden retriever Hank, all decked out in Sun’s merchandise.
Hardwick posted this image, including his children and golden retriever Hank, all dressed in Gold Coast Suns merchandise
Hardwick begins his coaching gig with the Suns with a match against his former club Richmond, where he won three AFL premierships
Gold Coast Suns fans will be hoping Hardwick can lead them to the AFL finals for the first time in the club’s history
Hardwick captioned the image “Fams ready to go” and tagged the Suns for good measure.
Tigers fans were left furious after Hardwick famously resigned from his role as coach mid-season in 2023 before joining the Gold Coast club.
“Looks better in Yellow and Black Dimma,” one fan posted with a laughing emoji.
“I wish you the absolute worst partner,” another fumed.
“This isn’t it,” another added.
Many used the photo as an opportunity to take a shot at the Suns who are yet to make an AFL finals series.
“Did they have anything in the team store after this?” one joked.
“Literally all the merchandise they sold is in this photo,” another added.
But other fans were more gracious and wished their former mentor the best of luck after he gave the Tigers three premierships in a dream run.
“Having delivered the first flag for the Tiges in my lifetime, I hope you can deliver the first flag for the Suns in their lifetime. Good luck Dimma,” one fan wrote.
Hardwick, pictured with Trent Cotchin and the AFL premiership trophy, turned the Tigers around during his time as coach
He will face good friend and AFL superstar Dustin Martin in the match on the Gold Coast on Saturday
Gold Coast winger Brandon Ellis admits there will be ‘ups and downs’ as the Suns learn the Hardwick’s game plan.
Gold Coast have been unconvincing in their pre-season hits, leaving many wondering whether they will endure a slow start to life under Hardwick.
But against the Tigers, who are missing superstar Dustin Martin, key forward Tom Lynch and captain Toby Nankervis, the Suns come into the match as heavy favourites.
Ellis won two premierships under Hardwick’s guidance before heading to Gold Coast for the 2020 season.
“All the guys, except me, are trying to learn a new game plan,” the 30-year-old told reporters on Friday.
‘It will take time. We’ll have our ups, we’ll have our downs.
“But like (Hardwick) said, it’s a long season, a bit of a marathon.
“But hopefully the boys can learn quite quickly and we can start to see some success and then continue into September.”