Richmond appoint Adem Yze as senior coach

Richmond have appointed Adem Yze as their new head coach, filling the vacancy left by triple premiership-winning coach Damien Hardwick.

The announcement was made on Thursday, following a series of discussions that had Yze edging out interim coach Andrew McQualter in what was described as an “impossibly tight call.”

Yze had been the bookies favourite to coach the Tigers, after fans’ approval of McQualter faltered, with his long apprenticeship as an assistant giving him the edge.

This appointment serves as an early 46th birthday gift for Yze, who had previously impressed during coaching selection processes for both GWS and Essendon.

Yze’s recent coaching credentials, notably his role in Melbourne’s 2021 premiership victory, proved decisive in winning over Richmond’s coaching selection panel.

McQualter, despite an impressive interim coaching stint, will now have to seek opportunities elsewhere to realise his aspiration for a full-time senior coaching role.

McQualter had initially hit the ground running with six wins in his first eight games but finished with four losses in the last five games. However, Richmond had made it clear that they “would not judge him on wins and losses.”

As for Yze’s replacement at Melbourne, it is believed that former North Melbourne assistant coach Brett Ratten is a key candidate.

With key assistant coaching vacancies at clubs like the Western Bulldogs and North Melbourne, McQualter is expected to weigh his options carefully.

Yze, who was an All-Australian midfielder and played 271 games for Melbourne, joined Hawthorn as a part-time assistant in 2012 before becoming backline coach in 2014.

His stock rose further when he moved to Melbourne in 2021, where he masterminded one of the most efficient defensive structures in modern AFL.

Yze says he will hit the ground running at the Tigers, who are in a rebuilding phase, but will welcome back star spearhead Tom Lynch next season.

“This is a club steeped in history and blessed with a magnificent supporter base,” Yze told media after his appointment.”

“I feel very humbled to have been given this opportunity. I can’t wait to meet the playing group and start building towards the 2024 season.”

With upcoming challenges, including the ageing of star players like Dustin Martin and the departures of Jack Riewoldt and Trent Cotchin, Yze faces the monumental task of guiding a new generation of Tigers talent toward future successes.

Former Richmond coach Hardwick has since signed as senior coach of expansion club Gold Coast as he attempts to deliver them their first finals appearance.

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