Former Richmond captain Chris Newman has publically thrown his hand up for the vacant coaching role at Tigerland, stating that his desire to get back to Punt Road has been "no secret".
Newman spent the entirety of his 14-year AFL career in yellow and black, racking up 268 games and leading the club between 2009 and 2012, and since hanging up the boots at the end of 2015, the 41-year-old has called Hawthorn home, leading the club's VFL affiliate Box Hill, as well as guiding development at Bunjil Bagora.
Yet, after nearly eight seasons outside of Richmond's four walls, Newman revealed to 3AW on Sunday afternoon that it was his aim to take over from his former coach Damien Hardwick on a full-time basis.
"I would," Newman answered when asked about whether he would like the Tigers' job.
"Obviously, it's no secret I wanted to put my hand up to coach Rochmond, and I'll get that opportunity now (due to the club's hiring process).
"Progressively, that's been my aim throughout my coaching career.
"I've got some experience in not only coaching my own team at Box Hill, but going through various lines and learning off some really good coaches."
While Newman was happy to speak openly on his desires, the 2017 VFL Coach of the Year would not speak publicly about the club's processes.
"I don't want to talk about process yet ... out of respect to the process and Richmond," Newman added. "I'll let them reveal that."
Still contracted at the Hawks and playing a key role in guiding Sam Mitchell's young group, Newman has a home should the Tigers look elsewhere for their 39th senior coach, a fact Mitchell himself made abundantly clear during the week.
Newman is expected to pitch for the role alongside current Richmond employees, and former St Kilda teammates, Xavier Clarke and caretaker coach Andrew McQualter.
Richmond's six-person panel is expected to ramp up its hunt across the course of the next fortnight.
