Kane Cornes believes Damien Hardwick’s new relationship with a Richmond staff member and subsequent marriage breakdown could derail the club.
Hardwick and wife Danielle recently split, with the three-time premiership coach now seeing a younger member of the club’s commercial sales team.
Cornes is of the belief that this latest off-field scenario may have a negative impact on the Tigers as they chase a three-peat and fourth premiership in five years.
“Some off-season controversies, a little bit sensitive to speak about marriage breakdowns,” he said on SEN SA Breakfast.
“There were three of them, certainly well documented in the press. Nathan Buckley, Simon Goodwin and Damien Hardwick, the most controversial of those.
“I get the feeling it’s going to divide the Richmond Footy Club, there is no doubt about that, because of the fact Damien’s relationship is with a staff member from the football club.
“Also, Brooke Cotchin, the wife of Trent, has been pretty publicly supportive of Damien Hardwick’s ex-wife Danielle.
“I’m not sure how Richmond will function this year. I think it’s going to be awkward and it does threaten to derail their season and end the dynasty which has been at Richmond.
“So I’ll watch that one play out.”
Malcolm Blight also recently commented on the situation, insisting that the playing group will not worry about what’s happening in their coach’s personal life.