The three-time premiership coach said he had discussed the matter with Tigers players when they returned to pre-season training this year but had turned his attention to a round one date with Carlton.
“The reality is these things happen in all walks of life. I’m very much of the opinion that people’s private lives should be just that:private. I know sections of the media won’t treat it that way but that’s how I’m treating it myself,first and foremost,” Hardwick told SEN.
“Myself and Danielle’s number one priority will,as it always has been,[be] our three beautiful kids. I’m very proud of the kids,the job myself and Danielle have done with regard to raising them.
“It’s been a difficult time for everyone. Out of respect for Danielle and my kids,my private life is something that I’m not very comfortable speaking about.”
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Hardwick accepted that some Richmond players have strong relationships with Danielle and that there wasa need to talk about the issue as a group before everyone could move on.
“The reality was the first day back I had to speak to the players about it. That’s something we do at the club. It was important we did so to get on with the business of preparing for round one. We always speak about things that[are] distractions in our lives,and distraction that may bring about out demise as a great team.