Richmond has extended Damien Hardwick’s coaching contract for a further two years.

Hardwick, who was in the final year of his current deal with the Club, will now continue as the Tigers’ coach until the end of the 2018 season.

Richmond President, Peggy O’Neal said the Board was pleased to extend Hardwick’s contract on the eve of the 2016 home-and-away season.

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“In making this decision the Board considered what Damien has accomplished during his tenure, including the fact he has taken the team to three consecutive finals series,” O’Neal said.

“We also considered whether he was the right man to take us further and, after thorough analysis and discussion, the unanimous view was that Damien is the right man to coach our Club.

“Importantly, Damien has the character and values we want in someone who leads our players. The players also have great respect for their coach and his approach to getting the best out of them.

“Stability and unity have been critical to this Club’s recent improvement and the Board’s view was that a two-year contract extension was both deserved and prudent.”

Hardwick said he is proud to continue as senior coach of the Richmond Football Club, and eager to commence the 2016 AFL season.

“It has always been an honour to coach the Richmond Football Club and the support that the Board provides not just myself, but the entire Club, is never taken for granted,” Hardwick said.

“The coaching staff and players look forward to the challenge ahead and everyone is working hard to repay the faith the Club, and our members and supporters, have shown in us.”

Hardwick, 43, a premiership player at both Essendon and Port Adelaide, was appointed Richmond’s coach at the end of 2009, with the Club having finished in second-last place on the league ladder after winning just five games for that season.

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Richmond has made steady progress throughout the six years of Hardwick’s coaching tenure, reaching the finals for the past three seasons.

The Tigers have been the fifth-best performed team in the home-and-away rounds during that time, winning 42 of a possible 66 games.

Hardwick is now the third-longest serving coach in Richmond’s history. He has coached the Tigers in 135 games all-up for 66 wins, two draws and 67 losses.

Only Tommy Hafey (248) and Jack Dyer (226) have coached Richmond in more games than Hardwick.