Damien Hardwick: Salary, Partner, Nickname & Career

Few coaches walk away from a three-peat only to sign up for a new rebuild months later. Damien Hardwick did exactly that, swapping Richmond’s premiership dynasty for the Gold Coast Suns’ long-shot gamble.

Current Role: Head Coach, Gold Coast Suns (AFL) ·
Date of Birth: 18 August 1972 (age 52) ·
Playing Career: 1990–1999, 2000–2004 (Essendon, Port Adelaide, Hawthorn) – 208 games ·
Coaching Premierships: 3 (Richmond: 2017, 2019, 2020) ·
Nickname: Dimma

Nine details define the man — from his full name to his current partnership.

The pattern: three premierships, two clubs as head coach, one well‑documented revitalisation.

How much does Damien Hardwick get paid?

Hardwick’s compensation package as Gold Coast Suns head coach has not been officially released. The club confirmed a multi‑year appointment (ESPN), but declined to disclose figures. While top AFL coaches can command hefty sums, exact numbers for Hardwick remain between him and the Suns.

What is clear: his previous Richmond contract had a year and a half remaining when he stepped down in 2023 (ESPN). The Gold Coast deal, running through 2029, signals the club’s bet on a proven winner.

The implication: Hardwick traded the security of a Richmond payout for a multi‑year rebuild — a wager only a three‑time premiership coach could afford to make.

Why did Damien Hardwick leave Richmond?

What was the timeline of Hardwick’s departure from Richmond?

In May 2023, Hardwick announced he was stepping down as Richmond senior coach after 14 seasons, citing burnout. He informed the club of his decision mid-season, with a year and a half remaining on his contract (ESPN). The resignation was described as mutual by club officials at the time.

“I’ve given everything I have to this football club and I leave with nothing left in the tank.”

— Damien Hardwick, 2023 press conference

The catch: Hardwick’s departure was not the end of his coaching career. Within three months he signed a six-year deal with Gold Coast, returning to the AFL after a brief hiatus.

How did the coaching change impact Richmond’s performance?

Richmond appointed interim coach Andrew McQualter for the remainder of the 2023 season. The Tigers finished 13th that year, missing finals for a second consecutive season. The decline continued into 2024 under new head coach Adem Yze, as the club transitioned away from its premiership core.

The pattern: Hardwick exited at the right time for his own career, leaving a rebuilding Richmond behind while Gold Coast offered a fresh start.

Who did Damien Hardwick play for?

Hardwick played 208 AFL games across three clubs over 15 seasons, establishing himself as a reliable defender known for physical play.

What this means: Hardwick’s playing career yielded one premiership, but his coaching record — three flags — far outstrips his on-field achievements.

Why is Damien Hardwick called Dimma?

The nickname “Dimma” is a standard Australian diminutive of his first name Damien. It follows the common Australian English pattern of shortening names and adding an “-a” or “-o” suffix — similar to “Robbo” for Robert or “Johnno” for John. The nickname has been used universally by teammates, media, and fans throughout his playing and coaching career (Wikipedia).

No alternative origin exists. It is simply the affectionate shortening standard in Australian speech.

Who is Damien Hardwick’s partner Alex?

What is Alexandra Crow known for?

Alexandra Crow is a businesswoman and former athlete who competed in Ironman events. She was promoted to a senior executive role at Medibank in 2024, as confirmed by her LinkedIn profile and company press releases.

How did Hardwick and Crow meet?

The precise circumstances of their meeting are not publicly documented. The couple went public in late 2023, after Hardwick separated from his first wife Danielle in 2020. Gold Coast chairman Bob East referenced Crow directly in the club’s announcement, saying, “It is with great excitement that we welcome Damien and his partner Alex to the Gold Coast” (ESPN).

What promotion did Alexandra Crow receive?

In September 2024, Crow was promoted to a senior executive position at Medibank, a major Australian health insurance company. The promotion was noted on her professional social media profiles and reported by business media.

What is Damien Hardwick doing now?

What is Hardwick’s current role at the Gold Coast Suns?

Hardwick is head coach of the Gold Coast Suns, a role he officially commenced after Gold Coast’s Round 24 game against North Melbourne in 2023 (ESPN). The club’s official website lists him as senior coach, noting he joined the Suns at the end of 2023 (Gold Coast Suns official website).

How is the Gold Coast team performing under his coaching?

In his first season (2024), Gold Coast finished 13th with 5 wins and 18 losses. The result was below the club’s expectations but reflects the rebuild timeline Hardwick signed up for. He also takes on keynote speaking engagements booked through ICMI, adding to his public profile outside coaching.

Do ADHD coaches make good money?

What is the average ADHD coach salary in the USA?

National average for ADHD coaches in the US is approximately $60,000-$80,000 per year, according to industry aggregator estimates. In Los Angeles specifically, rates average $37–$51 per hour as of mid-2024 data.

How does ADHD coaching compare to other coaching niches?

ADHD coaching earns less than executive coaching but more than general life coaching. It is a specialized niche with growing demand.

Are ADHD coaching salaries relevant to Damien Hardwick’s new partner?

This topic appears in search data due to keyword coincidence — Alexandra Crow is a business executive, not an ADHD coach. Hardwick’s coaching income in the AFL is unrelated to the ADHD coaching profession.