Richmond is delighted to announce that former captain Chris Newman will return to the Club as an assistant coach for the 2024 season.

Newman played 268 matches for Richmond across 15 years in a stellar career that included four seasons as skipper between 2009-12. He was inducted into the Club’s Hall of Fame last year.

The 41-year-old began his coaching career just months after bowing out as a player in the 2015 Elimination Final loss to North Melbourne, joining Hawthorn in a development role.

Newman took on the reins as Box Hill’s senior coach for the 2017 VFL season, continuing to help Hawthorn’s young players develop while also leading the proud state league club and their lofty win/loss expectations.

Box Hill finished second in Newman’s first season, which saw him rewarded as being named the coach of the VFL’s team of the year.

The former defender became a VFL premiership coach in 2018 after a remarkable finals series where Box Hill won four consecutive finals after finishing 6th.

Four-time AFL premiership coach Alastair Clarkson then entrusted Newman to take charge of Hawthorn’s AFL stoppage strategy in a role that included opposition analysis in 2019.

Newman was elevated to backs line coach for the 2020 season, a role he held for two years before switching to the forward line in 2023.

Richmond General Manager Football Performance- Tim Livingstone, said it was exciting to have Newman return to the Club.

“Chris has forged an excellent reputation as a terrific coach across the past eight years working at Hawthorn in various roles,” he said.

“He is highly motivated with an excellent ability to communicate and form relations with players and staff, and a proven track record of developing individuals and helping to deliver growth and positive outcomes for a team.

“With Adem (Yze) coming in as senior coach last week, he was particularly strong about getting Chris across after working closely with him at the Hawks.

“They have a terrific relationship, and we feel Chris will be an excellent fit for our playing group and coaching staff.”

Newman said he was looking forward to returning to Punt Road and working with a new group of players.

“I cannot wait to get started back at Richmond, working closely with the players and football staff,” he said.

“It will be nice to be back in familiar colours and working with Adem and the coaches to help the team return to finals action.”

Newman will commence with the Club for the upcoming pre-season.