Richmond says it expects its playing group to “thrive” under new coach Adem Yze, who has been unveiled as Damien Hardwick’s permanent replacement.
Key points:
- Yze moves to the Tigers after a long stint as an assistant coach in the AFL
- He helped the Demons win their 2021 flag
- Hardwick stepped away as Tigers head coach in May
Yze won the Tigers job after a series of recent interviews, beating out caretaker coach Andrew McQualter.
After three-time premiership coach Hardwick abruptly quit as Richmond coach in May following 13-and-a-half seasons, McQualter led the Tigers to seven wins from his 13 matches in charge.
Yze has been an assistant in the AFL system for more than a decade, first working part-time under Alastair Clarkson at Hawthorn in 2012.
“We have no doubt that Adem is the right man to lead us into the future,” Richmond president John O’Rourke said in a statement.
“Adem brings an enormous breadth of experience to the club.
“He has a deep understanding of the game and what drives on-field success from a strategic and cultural perspective.
“Adem has great energy and is highly competitive, and during the appointment process, it became increasingly obvious that he was a great fit for our club.
“He was the ideal candidate, and we have no doubt our playing group will thrive under his coaching.”
After six full-time seasons with the Hawks, Yze moved to the Demons, the club with whom he played 271 matches, ahead of 2021.
He played a crucial role with head coach Simon Goodwin in Melbourne’s charge to the 2021 premiership, the Demons’ first flag in 57 years.
It ends a long wait for Yze to land a senior job, having previously interviewed at Adelaide, GWS and Essendon.
He twice missed out last year, vying for the Giants and Bombers positions eventually won by Adam Kingsley and Brad Scott, respectively.
“This is a club steeped in history and blessed with a magnificent supporter base. I feel very humbled to have been given this opportunity,” Yze said.
“I can’t wait to meet the playing group and start building towards the 2024 season.”
Hardwick was last month named Gold Coast’s new coach following the axing of Stuart Dew in July.
The Tigers will attempt to bounce back from a 13th-place finish this year without premiership stars Trent Cotchin and Jack Riewoldt, who retired at season’s end.
Melbourne thanked Yze for his contribution to the Demons and wished him well at Richmond.
“Adem has had a significant impact on our football program since joining the club three years ago,” Demons general manager of AFL football performance Alan Richardson said.
“His ability to read the game and the direction he was able to provide our players and coaches was first class, and we are thrilled to see him get this opportunity.”
AAP
Source: AFL NEWS ABC
