Terry Wallace has given a glowing endorsement of Chris Newman as Richmond’s next senior coach.
The former Tigers captain is one of several candidates the club is believed to be looking at as they continue the search for Damien Hardwick’s successor.
Newman is currently an assistant under Sam Mitchell at Hawthorn having overseen success with the Box Hill Hawks by winning the 2018 VFL premiership.
Wallace coached Newman at the Tigers between 2005 and 2009, installing him as captain in his final year as coach.
He is the type of person that Richmond may be looking at, according to ‘Plough’.
“It seems pretty clear that they’re wanting to go for a first-time (coach) to develop and grow with the group,” Wallace said on SEN’s Dwayne’s World.
“As ‘Dimma’ (Hardwick) did the last time around. All those boys were 19-20 at the most when Dimma arrived so he could grow with them.
“I think that’s exactly what they’re looking for again. One era is over and the other is about to start.
“If it is that way, I’m a little bit biased because I ended up making Chris Newman captain when I was at the club.
“I’d love to see Chris get his opportunity. He’s a fantastic footy person and I’d love to see him get his chance.
“I think it looks like it will go down that way from everything that we hear.
“Daniel Giansiracusa is another one that I drafted in the system with the Bulldogs so I’d love to see him get an opportunity as well.
“But that’s in their (Richmond’s) court. We’ll all sit back and wait and see how it plays out.”
Wallace outlined some of the key Newman attributes that will help him make the transition from Hawks assistant to a senior role elsewhere.
He referenced the fact that retiring Richmond star Jack Riewoldt spoke of Newman’s 250-game milestone as one of the highlights of his career.
“He’s a strong personality, I still think there’s a bit of that needed,” he added.
“You need to have empathy with the players. I coached with Craig McRae so I’ve seen his journey and how fantastic he’s been. He is that empathetic type person.
“On the same side I think Chris is a man’s man, he’s done the hard yards, he’s seen good times as well. I think he’s a really balanced individual from that point of view.
“I like that in somebody who is going to be a leader. He was the obvious leader. In Jack’s press conference he marked out his greatest moment, apart from winning the premierships, was winning in Chris’ milestone game.
“That’s how much of an impact he had on Jack as a leader. I see him as a leader of men. I think the opportunity will come, whether it’s this time around or not, who knows?”
Newman is one of several candidates for the Richmond job which is currently held by interim coach Andrew McQualter.
Other names on the list include Fremantle assistant Jaymie Graham, Melbourne assistant (and former Tigers defender) Troy Chaplin, his fellow Demons coach Adem Yze, Essendon assistant Daniel Giansiracusa and Collingwood’s Hayden Skipworth.
Listen to Plough pay tribute to the retiring Riewoldt while endorsing Newman below: