Gerard Healy says don’t count interim coach Andrew McQualter out of the race to be Richmond’s next permanent coach as the club starts its search.
McQualter was officially announced as Damien Hardwick’s interim successor on Tuesday morning following the latter’s shock announcement he would leave Punt Road effective immediately.
McQualter, a former St Kilda player who has thrice featured on the final day in September (2009 and twice in 2010), has been associated with the Tigers’ VFL and AFL teams for almost a decade and has most recently been in charge of Hardwick’s midfield.
Despite being a small fish among the big names, McQualter is already the second favourite with Sportsbet and Healy believes he might be there at the pointy end of Richmond’s process.
“Don’t underestimate Andrew McQualter. He comes with great credentials, he’s been given huge raps from some really influential people in footy who know him and know his coaching well, so he’ll put his stamp on things pretty quickly,” Healy told SEN's Sportsday.
“Don’t be surprised if he makes it to the last couple when they go looking for another coach.
“They know Andrew McQualter, they know what he’s like, he knows the Tigers, he’s been there a long period of time and he’s been a great ally to Damien Hardwick over the journey.”
McQualter was given the interim role over the likes of former senior coaches David Teague and Ben Rutten, both of who are assistants at Richmond as it stands.
Justin Leppitsch, Adem Yze, Teague, Rutten and Don Pyke are all seen among the leading contenders to succeed Hardwick, while a coaching merry-go-round could also see a senior mentor at another club join Punt Road for 2024.
However, the next Richmond coach will have a fair job filling the boots of the outgoing Hardwick. The 50-year-old finishes his time at Tigerland with 170 wins, but more importantly three premierships including the drought-breaker in 2017.
The Tigers are yet to put a timeline on their process.