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“Crazy not to”: Melbourne assistant speaks on running for vacant AFL coaching job

“I’d consider it and move from there.”

Published by
Mitch Keating

Melbourne assistant Adem Yze has flagged he'd be "crazy not to" take part in Richmond's coaching search if the Tigers reached out to the highly-rated coach.

Yze has come close to landing a senior coach on multiple occasions in recent years, with the former Demons star among the top candidates that ran for roles at Essendon and GWS in 2022.

The 45-year-old would miss out on the pair of vacancies to former North Melbourne coach Brad Scott and ex-Richmond assistant Adam Kingsley respectively, seeing Yze return to the Demons to continue working under Simon Goodwin this year.

The pair of missed opportunities haven't dampened Yze's hopes of running for another senior coaching position, with two more spots currently vacant at Richmond and Gold Coast this year.

Speaking on Triple M, Yze said he was still hopeful of securing a senior coaching role, but won't apply for every and any vacancy that appears.

"I haven't lost faith," the former Hawthorn assistant coach said.

"I really enjoyed both processes I went through with Essendon and GWS, and I got really close.

"In the end it's just a learning experience for me. I've got things I've got to learn and work on, and I understand that. I'll keep pushing forward.

Adem Yze during Melbourne's open training session at Gosch's Paddock, Melbourne in 2022 (Photo by Cameron Grimes/Zero Digital Sports)

"I really love what I'm doing. I'm not going to throw my hat in the ring every time a job becomes available. I've got to be really clear on when the right opportunity comes up and which one I go for.

"Right now I'm loving what I'm doing, but if one pops up and I get the opportunity to go through the process I will."

Yze firms as a more suitable candidate for the vacant Richmond role, with Gold Coast likely to look toward a more experienced coach to fill the position opened after Stuart Dew's sacking.

Former Richmond mentor Damien Hardwick is the unbackable favourite for the Suns job, with his old assistant Andrew McQualter seen as the leading man for the Tigers role amid an impressive stint in the caretaker position.

When questioned whether he was in the mix for the Richmond role, Yze confirmed he was yet to participate in the process but will strongly consider the position.

"That process hasn't started yet," Yze said.

"If I get the call to go through the process - a massive football club like Richmond I'd be crazy not to go for it.

"I'd consider it and move from there."

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 30: Adem Yze and Troy Chaplin the assistant coaches of the Demons walk out onto the field during the round seven AFL match between the Melbourne Demons and the Hawthorn Hawks at Melbourne Cricket Ground on April 30, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Yze and McQualter will likely find further competition from across the AFL coaching landscape, with Yze's own colleague Troy Chaplin a potential name for the Tigers to consider.

Other potential candidates include former Brisbane coach Justin Leppitsch, Geelong assistant Shaun Grigg and Fremantle assistant Jaymie Graham.

Published by
Mitch Keating