Richmond premiership coach Damien Hardwick has put pen to paper on a new three-year deal that ties him to the AFL club until the end of the 2021 season.

Hardwick, appointed in late 2009, is set to become the club’s longest-serving coach.

“Our club has built a strong and united culture and Damien has been critical to that … he has an incredible connection to his players, is a person of great character and a wonderful coach,” president Peggy O’Neal said.