AFL 2023: Adem Yze to be the next coach of Richmond
The race for the top job at Tigerland is over, with a famous Dee receiving the happiest of birthday gifts, chosen as the man to lead a new era at Richmond.
Richmond has chosen Adem Yze to replace triple premiership coach Damien Hardwick as the Tigers attempt to continue to buck footy’s equalisation methods and remain in the premiership window.
The Tigers on Thursday made their call after days of discussions with Demons assistant coach Yze beating interim coach Andrew McQualter in what was understood to be an impossibly tight call.
It was the perfect birthday gift for Yze who turned 46 on Thursday.
Yze, 46, had impressed in the GWS and Essendon coaching selection races last year and had finished a close second to both Adam Kingsley and Brad Scott.
His highly impressive presentation and strong recent history coaching the Demons backline – including in the 2021 premiership – swayed the Richmond coaching selection panel.
The decision was made more difficult because Richmond was aware that choosing Yze would require McQualter to move on to further his senior coaching aspirations given his determination to win a full-time position.
It is understood former North Melbourne assistant coach Brett Ratten could emerge as a key replacement option for Yze at Melbourne.
With clubs like the Western Bulldogs, Melbourne and North Melbourne having coaching vacancies McQualter will consider his options before moving to a club that can help him realise his dream.
McQualter initially put together a spectacular on field resume with six wins from his first eight games as he seamlessly took over from Hardwick.
While he finished his interim coaching run with four losses from five games, the Tigers had always told him they would not judge him on wins and losses.
Yze, 45, played 271 games for Melbourne as a clever left-footed midfielder and 2002 All Australian before joining the Hawks as a part-time assistant in 2012.
He progressed to backline coach replacing Luke Beveridge in 2014 and quickly built a strong reputation before moving to Melbourne in 2021.
The Demons drought-breaking premiership with Yze as their defensive coach came as he constructed one of the most miserly defensive structures in the modern era.
He said last week he had enjoyed the coaching process given its challenges and opportunities.
“I really enjoyed the processes I went through last year with both clubs and this has been no different. It tests you. It puts you in a scenario and shows your vulnerabilities, and I have really enjoyed the process and am really proud of the way I have presented,” Yze said.
The Tigers coaching panel included external experts including leadership consultant Paddy Steinfort and Melbourne Storm football boss Frank Ponissi.
Both McQualter and Yze made two extensive presentations with Collingwood champion Nathan Buckley and Richmond premiership captain Trent Cotchin in their final discussions with the panel.
The decision came on a day when the Tigers had young Hawthorn forward Jacob Koschitzke commit to the club, pending a trade.
But having handed away their first-round pick in last year’s trade for Jacob Hopper, the Tigers face significant challenges as they attempt to contend in the short-term future.
In the past three seasons the Tigers have won nine and a half games, 13 games (with the dramatic finals loss to Brisbane) and then 10 and a half games this season.
They will not start the 2024 season as a premiership contender given the loss of stars including Jack Riewoldt and Trent Cotchin, with Dustin Martin at the top of his game but turning 33 next year.
They will hope the next generation of talent including Shai Bolton, Noah Balta, Tyler Sonsie, Thomson Dow, Noah Cumberland, Judson Clarke, Sam Banks and Samson Ryan can continue the club’s quest for finals.
Yze said he was excited by the challenge.
“This is a club steeped in history and blessed with a magnificent supporter base. I feel very humbled to have been given this opportunity,” Yze said.
“I can’t wait to meet the playing group and start building towards the 2024 season.”
Richmond President John O’Rourke said Yze “has a deep understanding of the game and what drives on-field success from a strategic and cultural perspective”.
“This has been a period of significant change for our Club, but with that comes a great sense of excitement and opportunity. We have no doubt that Adem is the right man to lead us into the future,” O’Rourke said.
“Adem brings an enormous breadth of experience to the Club, having played key coaching roles during highly successful periods at both the Hawthorn and Melbourne football clubs.
“Adem has great energy and is highly competitive, and during the appointment process, it became increasingly obvious that he was a great fit for our Club. He was the ideal candidate, and we have no doubt our playing group will thrive under his coaching.”
O’Rourke thanked interim coach Andrew McQualter and said he had the hallmarks of a future senior coach.
“ Andrew McQualter … is a wonderful person and coach,” O’Rourke said.
“He presented well during the process and demonstrated he is a senior coach of the future.
“Andrew took the selfless decision to take on the interim role when Damien Hardwick left the club, and he has handled himself with confidence and class. He continued to impress during the interview process, and I have no doubt he will be a future AFL coach.”
The Demons congratulated Yze on his appointment at Punt Road.
Melbourne general manager of AFL football performance Alan Richardson said Yze had “a profound impact” on the club during his time at the Demons.
“Adem has had a significant impact on our football program since joining the club three years ago,” Richardson said.
“His ability to read the game and the direction he was able to provide our players and coaches was first class, and we are thrilled to see him get this opportunity.
“On behalf of everyone at the club, we would like to wish Adem and his family all the very best for the future.”
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