Neil Balme was never leaving Richmond despite an approach from Adelaide to head up their football department, according to Tigers CEO Brendon Gale.
Balme, who has overseen three premierships since returning to Punt Road in 2016, remains committed to his role as Richmond’s Senior Club Advisor.
“I appreciate (the) Adelaide Football Club reaching out for a conversation, but Richmond is where my heart is and I look forward to continuing to help strengthen the club into the future,” Balme said in a statement
Gale was bemused by reports suggesting Balme was on his way to the Crows and stressed the importance of retaining the veteran football boss for 2022.
“I’m not quite sure what happened to be honest,” the Tigers chief told SEN’s Bob and Andy.
“I was mowing my lawns on a Saturday morning, came in for a drink and my phone had blown up.
“Blair Hartley (GM of Football Talent) and Tim Livingstone (GM of Foootball Performance) head our football department in terms of the management and leadership.
“But Neil’s got a very, very important role and he’s stepped aside in the last couple of years to help enable their growth. His wisdom, judgement and presence is very, very important to us still.
“I think he was approached by Adelaide to be fair. He’s a terrific fella and took the call, they had a yak and things got away from there. I think that’s the only way I can put it.
“He’s contracted. He’s at Richmond because he wants to be at Richmond and because his heart is at Richmond and because we’ve still got work to do.
“These things get a life of their own at this time of year.”