Premier Cricket 2025-26: Phil Lovell appointed Richmond coach

The Premier Cricket club has locked in its next leading man following the retirement of its long-serving coach. Latest here.

Richmond’s search for its next coach has finished in its own backyard.

The Premier Cricket power has appointed assistant Phil Lovell as its new mentor following the retirement of long-serving coach Shannon Young.

Taking on his first senior gig, Lovell served five years under master coach Michael O’Sullivan at Fitzroy Doncaster and two under Ash Cavigan at Essendon before landing as Young’s right-hand man in recent seasons.

Lovell said the Tigers’ cohesion made the job an attractive prospect.

“I’ve been lucky enough to work with some really good coaches,” Lovell said.

“Having been involved at Fitzroy and Essendon, I really liked the discipline and the way the team plays for each other.

“(I thought) if I was going to go and take on a senior coaching position, I wanted a team which understood how each other played and understood a game plan, so hopefully, fingers crossed, they can have success in the future.”

Premier Cricket 2025-26: New Richmond coach Phil Lovell served a lengthy apprenticeship at Fitzroy Doncaster. Picture: Supplied

Richmond finished third last season before suffering a second preliminary final loss in four years.

But Lovell was bullish the Tigers could overcome that lingering hurdle after four consecutive finals exits.

“It’s continuing to add layers … we have a great foundation at Richmond,” Lovell said.

“Shannon’s done a really good job in building a team environment – we’ve got a great foundation with a great team which understands each other, and we’re just going to find some little bits and pieces that maybe we can build on or add to, to hopefully take us that extra step.

“Our whole DNA is about team – the success we’ve had is because of our focus not so much on the end point, but more the process to get there.

“If we continue to focus on team, playing our role, everyone contributing in some way, I don’t see any reason why we can’t continue to figure at the end of the season.”

Unlocking the potential of arguably one of Premier Cricket’s most promising young lists remained key to the incoming coach’s bid to take the Tigers to the next level.

Meanwhile, a host of names enjoyed big campaigns including Jono D’Rozario (684 runs, 13 wickets), Dan Scholz (576 runs) and Brendan Rose (29 wickets).

Jono D’Rozario peeled off 684 runs last season. Picture: Mark Wilson

“Our strength has been our academy, ever since I can remember playing against Richmond … our depth of talent is amazing and hopefully we can continue to develop those talented players,” Lovell said.

“Ranbir Singh, Griffin Box and Luke McCann (are) all players that have represented in the state underage competition in the last 12 months.

“I think if we can get some extra development out of them and we continue to see the development out of players like Jono D’Rozario following his breakout season, I think we can continue to be as competitive as we have been.”