Wanted: new coach to star in Richmond soap opera

Richmond’s coach Terry Wallace during the AFL Round 02 match between the Geelong Cats and the Richmond Tigers at Skilled Stadium. Slattery Images

The Terry Wallace soap opera might be finally settled, but expect the frenetic speculation on his replacement at Richmond to take its monopoly on the sports pages. You get the feeling that the Melbourne press has been waiting for the first coach to topple, particularly given that a number of coaches are out of contract at season’s end.

It’s been debated far and wide as to what the Tigers actually need in a coach. Some believe they require an experienced, old-style authoritarian to weed out the players not capable of taking the side forward.

There may be a few of these coaches available, albeit not at the moment.

Seven coaches are out of contract at season’s end: Mick Malthouse, Rodney Eade and Mark Williams among them.

All three would be capable of making their mark on an impressionable playing group, while the unemployed Leigh Matthews would be another candidate.

Others view – even at the risk of experience – a young, energetic appointment as the right way to guide the club through what is likely to be a rough couple of seasons.

Whatever happens, it appears likely the Richmond board will keep its options open for 2010.

A young caretaker coach – fitting the latter category – will be announced soon, charged with taking the club through this season. Wayne Campbell appears favourite, with fellow assistants Jade Rawlings, Craig McRae and David King also in the running.

How whoever is appointed fares for the remainder of 2009 will go a long way to deciding the Tigers’ direction for the next five years.

If the caretaker does manage to realign the side in a positive direction, then indications are he’ll be given a chance to extend his tenure past this season.

This is a positive.

After being dogged by speculation for almost the entire season to date, a little bit of stability is just what Richmond need. A coach – particularly one in his first job – needs that even more.

But if the Tigers fail to improve, and appear as rudderless as under Wallace, then the board may well shift its target to that experienced coach.

And with the likes of Malthouse and Williams yet to re-sign at their clubs – plus Nathan Buckley’s possible availability – the Tigers shouldn’t be short of options.

Whatever happens, stay tuned. Remember, it is Richmond we’re talking about.