Lade joins Tiger coaching ranksRecently-retired Port Adelaide ruckman Brendon Lade has been appointed an assistant coach at Richmond.
Lade, a former team-mate of new Richmond senior coach Damien Hardwick at Port Adelaide, enjoyed a stellar 234-game career with the Power after making his debut in 1997. He was a member of Port’s inaugural AFL premiership side in 2004, won the club’s Best and Fairest in 2006, and was a dual All-Australian representative.
The 33-year-old played all 22 games for Port this season before announcing his retirement.
He will take up a role with the Tigers as a ruck/midfield coach.
“I’m really excited by the opportunity to join the Richmond Football Club,” Lade said.
“Hopefully, in the next few years, I can assist the Tigers in getting back to being a really good team in the AFL.
“One of the attractions of coming to Richmond is that there’s going to be a whole new game plan for the team.
“It’s going to take a while for the players to develop that new game plan, but in a couple of years’ time they should be reaping the rewards.”
Lade was a team-mate of Hardwick’s at Port Adelaide from 2002-04, with both playing in the Power’s 2004 premiership team.
“I’m really looking forward to working with Damien . . . I think we’ll work well together.We were good mates on the field, and we’ve kept in touch over the years,” Lade said. “Hopefully, everyone in the coaching group can be on the same page and heading in the right direction.”
Hardwick described Lade’s appointment as an important acquisition for the Club.
“We’re very pleased to have someone of Brendon’s experience and standing in the game join Richmond as an assistant coach,” he said. “He brings with him many of the important attributes we’re looking for. He has a strong character and excellent leadership skills.”
http://www.richmondfc.com.au/tabid/6301/default.aspx?newsid=84882
