An iconic footballing pair are consulting the Tigers in their quest to source their next AFL senior coach.
Triple-premiership Richmond captain Trent Cotchin and legendary ex-Collingwood player and coach Nathan Buckley are playing integral roles in assisting the Punt Road club finalise its much-speculated coaching choice.
The Tigers' senior coaching race is understood to be narrowed to interim boss Andrew McQualter and Melbourne assistant Adam Yze.
Cotchin and Buckley were sighted at Punt Road on Tuesday as Yze gave his final presentation to Richmond's bosses.
Cotchin hung up the boots in August, bringing his decorated career to a close in Round 23 against North Melbourne, while Buckley, the 2003 Brownlow Medallist, currently holds prominent media roles withย SENย andย Fox Footy.
On Tuesday, Richmond chief executive Brendon Gale addressed his team's choice to approach Cotchin and Buckley for consultation, before providing an update on the club's decision-making process.
"They (Cotchin and Buckley) both provide a really valuable and current perspective, those former leaders, coaches and captains. Their perspective is very valuable," Gale told Seven on Tuesday.
"Yeah, [we're] making good progress, so it's a very exciting process and one that'll be re-energising (for the club)."
Nathan Buckley has emerged as a key player in Richmond's search for a new coach. The Collingwood champion providing expert advice as the hunt for Damien Hardwick's successor heats up. https://t.co/5zYfOfGqUb @cleary_mitch @7AFL #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/If80gXB8wp
— 7NEWS Melbourne (@7NewsMelbourne) September 19, 2023
Meanwhile, Yze was also approached for comment following his final pitch at Punt Road.
"It was a good meeting but, yeah, I'm not sure how it's going to go, can't comment too much on that, they've got some decisions to make but, yeah, it was good fun," Yze told Seven on Tuesday.
"In the end, I know that there's only a few to go, but yeah, I feel like I presented really well, so hopefully that's enough and we'll see how we go."
Yze, who currently deputises to Demons coach Simon Goodwin, was in close contention but narrowly missed out on the GWS and Essendon head-coaching positions last year, with ex-Hardwick disciple Adam Kingsley and Brad Scott gaining those respective gigs.
The Tigers are understood to be wanting to decide on their new coach within a week, allowing time to prepare for this year's player movement and acquisition periods.
Richmond's full-time senior mentor position has been vacant since now-Suns coach Damien Hardwick abandoned his post during the season.
