The latest on Richmond coaching candidate who was sounded out by finals clubsSeb Mottram
SEN
2 September 2023Xavier Clarke will next week front the biggest job interview of his life as he meets with the panel that will select Richmond’s next coach, his brother has revealed.
The Tigers assistant coach was shortlisted for the role last month and is understood to be among the candidates remaining to replace Damien Hardwick.
Clarke, 39, has experience coaching his own side in the NEAFL and has coached a premiership up north before moving to Richmond.
He ticks all the boxes Richmond are looking for – as do a number of applicants – and Raph Clarke disclosed details of his brother’s push to be the Tigers' next senior coach.
“There’s not too much inside gossip… Xavier doesn’t give much away,” Clarke began on SEN’s Fridays in the Top End.
“But I think he’s got his final interview on Monday or Tuesday. Trying to talk to Xavier when he’s coming home for holidays and he’s got to plan his 40th at the end of the month, he’s like, ‘I haven’t thought about anything else besides this interview’.
“He’s quite lucky he’s had the time at Richmond. All the family are very excited, it’d be amazing if he does get the job.
“His coaching philosophy and style is pretty similar to Adam Kingsley and the likes of that.”
Clarke has been at the Tigers since the end of 2016, starting as the development coach and also transitioning into the VFL role.
He’s now in charge of the forwards.
Raph added that his brother is so highly rated within the industry that two coaches – whose sides are now in the finals – tried to poach Xavier out of Punt Road.
“Kingsley tried to take him up to GWS when he got the job, Ross Lyon offered him a gig at St Kilda at the start of this season as well, so he’s a wanted man in footy circles as well,” he explained.
“Whether Richmond believe that he’s the next guy to take them to finals and be successful again… (I don’t know).”
He added: “After (seven) seasons in the gig to be a wanted man at the top, it’s a big credit to him and his development as coach.”
https://www.sen.com.au/news/2023/09/01/the-latest-on-richmond-coaching-candidate-who-was-sounded-out-by-finals/