The men most likely
Compiled by Michael Gleeson | April 21, 2009
THE COACHING CANDIDATES:
WAYNE CAMPBELLRichmond assistant
The former captain and four-time best-and-fairest winner is well-regarded even if the timing is considered premature for him. One scenario touted would have a senior figure such as Michael Malthouse join the Tigers for two years to mentor Campbell. He could also fill in as a caretaker.
NATHAN BUCKLEYFormer Collingwood captain
Six-time best-and-fairest winner, seven-time All-Australian, Brownlow medallist. Buckley has said he plans to coach in the AFL next year but is yet to say if he is prepared to contemplate doing a Michael Voss and going in without an assistant year or two.
MICK MALTHOUSECollingwood coach
As a proven successful coach - dual West Coast premiership coach - and a former Richmond premiership player he has appeal. If he is not re-signed by the Pies could be a chance. Would address concerns of selfishness and being committed to the cause.
LEON CAMERONWestern Bulldogs assistant
Former Richmond and Bulldogs player and current Bulldog assistant who is well regarded. Understated but with considerable understanding of the game. Understands the Tigers culture.
DAMIEN HARDWICKHawthorn assistant
The former Essendon and Port Adelaide premiership player has an exceptional pedigree for the fact he has been on the Hawthorn coaching panel. No-nonsense player and highly regarded by Port and the Hawks for his thinking on the game. Was on the short list for the Essendon job when Matthew Knights was appointed.
CHRIS BONDFremantle football manager
Popular and respected former Richmond best-and-fairest winner and Fremantle captain. Was a long-term assistant coach at the Western Bulldogs. Having been a bridesmaid several times in the hunt for a coaching job, he shifted across to management at Fremantle. The experience should enhance, not harm, his prospects.
MARK WILLIAMSPort Adelaide coach
If the choice is for an experienced coach, Williams’ return to Melbourne is a wildcard. The Port premiership coach has never hidden his desire to coach one of the big Melbourne clubs.
BRAD SCOTTCollingwood assistant
The former Brisbane Lion dual premiership player has been an assistant coach at Collingwood since retiring at the end of 2007. Extremely highly rated by his former and current clubs as a definite future senior coach.
SCOTT BURNSWest Coast assistant
Former Collingwood captain. Respected, no-nonsense character and astute thinker on the game. Has only had one season as an assistant, but is rated a future senior coach.
MARK RILEYCarlton assistant
Former Demons assistant who took over as caretaker after Neale Daniher left and has been at Carlton since. Insightful football thinker with strong personality. Works well with young players.
POSSIBLE CARETAKERS:
BRIAN ROYALShould Terry Wallace not see out the year his long-term assistant Royal, the Tigers’ director of coaching, would be the easy choice to guide the side without being a considered a candidate.
DAVID KINGFormer North Melbourne dual premiership player. Has been an assistant coach at Richmond since 2005 when he retired from playing. Highly regarded internally at Richmond and may be a choice to take over in the interim.
THE MARKETWho will coach Richmond in 2010? Sportsbet's speculative odds*
$4 Nathan Buckley
$5 Wayne Campbell, Mark Williams
$7.50 Kevin Sheedy
$8.50 Damien Hardwick
$12 Brad Scott, David King
$14 Michael Malthouse
$17 Rodney Eade, Brenton Sanderson
$21 John Longmire
$23 Robert Harvey
$26 Nigel Lappin
$34 Brian Royal
$51 Leigh Matthews
$501 Terry Wallace
* Not taking bets on this market yet
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