Richmond confirms that assistant coach Andrew McQualter will step into the role of interim Head Coach starting this Sunday against Yartapuulti Football Club.

McQualter, 36, has been an assistant coach at Richmond since 2016, initially joining the Club in 2014 as a VFL player and AFL development coach.

The former St Kilda and Gold Coast player played 94 AFL matches across eight seasons, including three Grand Finals.

Richmond General Manager- Football Performance Tim Livingstone said that McQualter had unanimous support to be elevated into the interim role.

“Andrew has been an important part of our Club for close to 10 years, working across multiple lines and roles with his outstanding knowledge of the game, attention to detail, communication skills and passion for helping to drive standards and improvement,” he said.

“He has formed excellent relationships with the playing group and will bring great energy for what we feel is an exciting remainder of the season.”

McQualter, who took training at Punt Road yesterday, said he was looking forward to the opportunity to lead the team.

 “It is a privilege to be stepping up into the role. ‘Dimma’ taught me so much, and I have been grateful to work with him for a long period of time,” he said.

 “We have a strong and united coaching team and football department, and we have a playing group that is hungry which makes the role an extra exciting one.

 “Footy moves quickly and this week, we are going to need to be ready to perform against a quality team. We are eager to get to work.”

Development coach Kane Lambert will assume the role of midfield line coach in place of McQualter.

“Kane is a highly regarded person that has made a huge impact in the coaching space both throughout his time as an injured player and since starting as a development coach,” Livingstone said.

“His football knowledge is first-class, and he is a strong tactician. He will add great value to our midfield and stoppage work going forward.”