Former Richmond ruckman Shaun Hampson has returned to Punt Road to link up with AFLW coach Ryan Ferguson as an assistant for the club's women's program.
Hampson played 35 games in the yellow and black across five seasons, commencing his career with the Tigers in 2014 after a move from Carlton.
The big-bodied ruckman would play his last AFL game in 2016 due to ongoing back issues, calling time on his career midway through the 2018 season after a lengthy layoff.
Five years on from his retirement, Hampson has returned to Richmond in a coaching capacity, with the club unveiling the 35-year-old as their new AFLW midfield coach.
"It does feel like coming home," Hampson said in a club statement.
"Richmond was where I had my best football experience and where I have the fondest memories.
"It's a footy club so even if some rooms change or there's some new faces, the general feeling stays the same and it was certainly that way when I came back a few weeks ago to meet with Ferg and Kate. It just felt really familiar and it left a really positive impression on me.
"I've got a lot of love for this place and looking at the current team, that's exciting as well. The group's got a lot of upside and is nowhere near their ceiling yet. So, that's exciting as a coach and somebody who loves the development of players."
The addition of Hampson sees assistant Andrew Browne depart the club after three years with the Tigers.
Richmond managed a fourth-place finish in season seven of the AFLW, amassing seven wins and a draw in the home and away season before bowing out against North Melbourne in the semi-finals.
The 2023 season will be Ferguson's fourth at the helm and ninth year with the club, having initially joined the Tigers in 2015 as a development coach.
Ferguson has a 13-1-17 record as senior coach of Richmond.
