Melbourne and North Melbourne in hot pursuit of former St Kilda coach Alan Richardson

Two Victorian clubs are leading the race for Alan Richardson, with a mentoring role being considered among the options for the ex-Saints coach.

Alan Richardson could join North Melbourne or Melbourne in a senior off-field role.

North Melbourne and Melbourne are frontrunners in the race to secure former St Kilda coach Alan Richardson.

Both clubs are in the process of making key changes to their coaching staffs for next season and have set their sights on landing Richardson for next season.

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Kangaroos’ coaching director and midfield coach Darren Crocker is expected to be offered a new role within the football department as part of the refresh for next season.

Richardson is an important target for the Kangaroos as the club looks to add some senior experience around new coach Rhyce Shaw.

Alan Richardson could join North Melbourne or Melbourne in a senior off-field role.

He could play a mentoring role and help oversee the Roos coaching and development programs.

The former St Kilda coach recently said he still has a strong passion for football but was taking time to work out his next step back into club land.

“I sense for me it’s time to perhaps be involved in supporting a coach,” Richardson said.

“I’ve certainly had some conversations, which has been flattering.

“I’m quite excited, potentially, about some opportunities, but those conversations are ongoing.

“That’s the sort of role that I think I’m suited to given my experiences. There’s still a fair bit to play out there but potentially it’s something like that.”

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St Kilda back line coach Henry Playfair, who is contracted to the Saints for one more season, has also been linked to the Roos.

Leigh Tudor, who remains contracted to North for one more season, will also have talks with Shaw about his role for next season.

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Melbourne is also in the running for Richardson after taking major steps to revamp its coaching setup

The Demons have parted ways with assistants Craig Jennings and Brendan McCartney and have also approached former Carlton senior coach Brendon Bolton.

Jennings has left the Demons to coach at lower level, including a potential VFL coaching role.