A former AFL journeyman who was as soon as a Gold Coast teammate of star Tigers Tom Lynch and Dion Prestia, new Richmond caretaker coach Andrew “Mini” McQualter is ready for his time in the sun.
McQualter, a highly rated assistant coach who has had roles at Richmond for a decade, will lead the Tigers until season’s end after three-time premiership coach Damien Hardwick’s shock departure.
“He’s been a senior coach in ready for various years now,” co-captain Dylan Grimes told reporters on Tuesday.
“‘Mini’, he is received a type of technical brains that continues to shock you by the element that he sees within the sport.
“But then the balance of what makes a really good coach is the relationships and being able to get the most out of those around them.
“Being a senior coach is about managing individuals and speaking the complicated in a easy approach, and Mini does that nearly higher than anybody.
“He’s been chomping at the bit for an opportunity, and it’s great to see him get it.”
When he joined Richmond in 2014, McQualter was initially a improvement coach whereas taking part in VFL with the Tigers, however made his mark as midfield coach of their breakthrough 2017 flag.
The 36-year-old is lower than two years older than Richmond veteran Jack Riewoldt and has his first crack at a senior position 11 years after ending his profession as a 27-year-old on the Suns.
A former No.17 draft decide at St Kilda, McQualter proved extra a job participant.
He performed in three grand finals – for 2 losses and a draw – underneath Ross Lyon, who delisted him twice.
McQualter added 5 video games on the Suns in 2012 to his 89 throughout seven seasons at St Kilda, earlier than shifting into teaching.
When requested what stood out about McQualter, co-captain Toby Nankervis stated: “Just the way in which he sees the sport.
“His consideration to element, the way in which he presents, the way in which he motivates, his relationships and his power.
“There’s so many strengths to Mini and I’m really excited by the opportunity to play under Mini.
“I’m positive he’ll do an incredible job, and we’re nonetheless hungry to succeed this yr.
“I’m not sure what that looks like, but turning up tomorrow, we’ll be dead-set on playing our best footy against Port Adelaide at the MCG on Sunday and I can’t wait.”
McQualter and the Tigers will have to get straight down to business.
“We need the day right this moment to have fun ‘Dimma’ (Hardwick) and nearly in a bizarre approach mourn not with the ability to have him as coach this week,” Grimes stated.
“But this week we’ve to be ready to carry out in opposition to a extremely high quality workforce.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
