News Coaching Thread: The Hardwick Era

[Ben Drever]

We are in exactly the same spot as we where last year on the ladder. Percentage almost identical too. What has actually changed with Hardwick in charge?

2023
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I think he was talking big.
Filling everyone with confidence.

Only now he realises what he is actually up against.
Hopefully he can sell the farm to mature plug and play players this off season

 

[Iva Bigun]

Shortest post match presser of the weekend, guess he had to catch a plane , hopefully he banishes a few to act as service staff on the plane to earn their money. Personally I wouldn’t want Touk handing me a hot coffee

Stings to hear them talk up Brayshaw when Freo took him with the pick 2 we gave up for Weller, yes I know I should get over it

 

[eppo67]

We are in exactly the same spot as we where last year on the ladder. Percentage almost identical too. What has actually changed with Hardwick in charge?

2023
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Undefeated at Home.

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[Supersuns]

Undefeated at Home.

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And if Hardwick fails in the back half of the season like we always do? What happens then?

 

[Ben Drever]

And if Hardwick fails in the back half of the season like we always do? What happens then?

Tbh the Suns have never came charging home back half of the season.

It don’t look like this year will be any different…

Play some players… cross some players off the list. Look towards 2025

Confidence looks shot compared to couple of earlier games this year.

 

[kreglze]

I reckon let the actual end of the season happen first before we act like we have slumped over the line like previous years. If we get to the end of the season with <11 wins then go your hardest.

 

[eppo67]

And if Hardwick fails in the back half of the season like we always do? What happens then?

Sorry just answered your question that's all

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[kreglze]

And if Hardwick fails in the back half of the season like we always do? What happens then?

You suggesting we turf Hardwick at the end of the year?

 

[Jirik13]

You suggesting we turf Hardwick at the end of the year?

Surely not. But imagine we don't make finals next year too. No quality players join us, Mac and Rowell will not extend, we get usual injuries. Our future success is still on knife edge.

 

[kreglze]

Surely not. But imagine we don't make finals next year too. No quality players join us, Mac and Rowell will not extend, we get usual injuries. Our future success is still on knife edge.

I honestly don't think it is precarious as that, however, finals next year has to be the goal. Our player retention seems to have improved considerably, players of Rowell and Andrews quality don't jump ship all that often league wide, and outside of Rankine, we haven't lost anyone we wanted to keep in some time.

 

[SandyToes]

Surely not. But imagine we don't make finals next year too. No quality players join us, Mac and Rowell will not extend, we get usual injuries. Our future success is still on knife edge.

This is the nightmare scenario
We're going down to North Suns in a couple of weeks but my boys are more excited about going to the MCG Friday night for Essendon Collingwood with a full house in
When the AFL thinks it's equalisation policy is working

 

[Supersuns]

You suggesting we turf Hardwick at the end of the year?

Not suggesting that, but just questioning if Hardwick is the saviour everyone has built him up to be. I didn't really want him from the get go because I think his gameplan is outdated and we don't have a list that suits a Richmond style. I just struggle to see how we improve into a finals list, not enough players taking steps forward.

 

[Young_Guns]

While I am about as pessimistic as I normally am at this time of year, we are still on track for our winningest season (not a high bar and I know that’s what we say about now every year), while getting significantly younger, cutting out most of the old brigade, and actually developing some young gems who aren’t just top 5 picks - Clohesy, Uwland, Graham, etc - who are going to be a massive part of our future.

These young local guys who actually care for the guernsey and are coming through an elite, fairly successful pathway and haven’t yet been infected by the sh*tty loser mindset our older group have is where the success is coming from and the club knows it.

 

[Jirik13]

I honestly don't think it is precarious as that, however, finals next year has to be the goal. Our player retention seems to have improved considerably, players of Rowell and Andrews quality don't jump ship all that often league wide, and outside of Rankine, we haven't lost anyone we wanted to keep in some time.

We need success, play finals and fast. Or we will see another exodus similar to Lynch, May. After 6+ years in a system with no success we can't blame players for leaving.

 

[Stroppy]

If we take care of business and beat St Kilda, then everything looks a lot better at 8-6, we are in the top 8, and the road record is pushed down the agenda a bit.

So still a bit early doors for me. Finals is a big step, but the goal should be a team that contends for top 4 for multiple years in a row. We have been too young at times this year, but those youngsters are the best chance for a consistent top 4 team so they should get some games.

There remains a big query about the 'system' though.

The Freo game a great example. We found it hard to move the ball, they did not. 14 games into a season, that is no good. Either the players can't do it or won't do it. Better find out quick which it is.

 

[eppo67]

This is the nightmare scenario
We're going down to North Suns in a couple of weeks but my boys are more excited about going to the MCG Friday night for Essendon Collingwood with a full house in
When the AFL thinks it's equalisation policy is working

Why do people keep making comparisons with Clubs that have been in existence for well over 100 years. Very odd.

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[SandyToes]

Why do people keep making comparisons with Clubs that have been in existence for well over 100 years. Very odd.

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I'm not making comparisons just pointing out that my boys who are Foundation Suns members and red and gold to the core are excited to be going to a venue that Melbourne Clubs play on every weekend in front of 50,000 +
To think there's any equality between Clubs is just ridiculous and if we don't have success we are at the mercy of Melbourne Clubs offering this up to our stars

 

[eppo67]

I'm not making comparisons just pointing out that my boys who are Foundation Suns members and red and gold to the core are excited to be going to a venue that Melbourne Clubs play on every weekend in front of 50,000 +
To think there's any equality between Clubs is just ridiculous and if we don't have success we are at the mercy of Melbourne Clubs offering this up to our stars

But you are pointing to Clubs that have been playing each other for well over 100 years. So it's really irrelevant ATM if it's still the same in say 30 years from now you would have a valid point

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[SandyToes]

But you are pointing to Clubs that have been playing each other for well over 100 years. So it's really irrelevant ATM if it's still the same in say 30 years from now you would have a valid point

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Rowell Anderson and Mac aren't going to North StKilda or Hawthorn
It's Collingwood Carlton Richmond and Essendon

 

[thurls64]

I guess we will see if the hype around Dimma is real, now the chips are down and the momentum is heading in the wrong direction the gun coaches find a way - I think he will he did it with Richmond when they were very mediocre

 

[Jirik13]

I guess we will see if the hype around Dimma is real, now the chips are down and the momentum is heading in the wrong direction the gun coaches find a way - I think he will he did it with Richmond when they were very mediocre

Or was it great assistant coaches Tigers surrounded him with after 2016 miserable season plus recruitment of Prestia, Nankervis and Caddy.

 

[thurls64]

Or was it great assistant coaches Tigers surrounded him with after 2016 miserable season plus recruitment of Prestia, Nankervis and Caddy.

we will know soon enough

 

[RowellAnderson12]

Faster ball movement please, get Flanders in the guts. Good for my fantasy side but i'd rather the suns win a flag

 

[SandyToes]

Faster ball movement please, get Flanders in the guts. Good for my fantasy side but i'd rather the suns win a flag

Our great games this year have been overlap overlap overlap bang

 

[Ben Drever]

Dimma is a big game coach.
Loves being the underdog