Richmond coach Damien Hardwick is convinced the Club has made a smart choice in appointing former Adelaide key defender Ben Rutten to its coaching panel.

Rutten, who played 229 games in a decorated 12-year league career with the Crows, accepted an assistant coach’s role at Richmond at the end of the 2014 season, after several clubs had expressed interest in securing his services for a similar position.

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“We bring in a really diligent, young coach in Ben Rutten, who’s been preparing for this for a long period of time,” Hardwick said.

“We had two interviews with Ben, and he’s an incredibly impressive guy.

“He’s going to bring a wealth of knowledge to our defenders, our key-position players as well.

“So, we’re very fortunate to have him and glad he picked the Tigers over a number of other suitors.

“He’s an outstanding character and is going to be a welcome addition to us.”