Yet to publicly declare his hand, Richmond caretaker Andrew McQualter will reassess his teaching ambitions after the Tigers’ crunch conflict with fellow AFL finals aspirants St Kilda.
McQualter has spearheaded a mini-revival since taking the reins from triple-premiership mentor Damien Hardwick, who stepped down unexpectedly final month, steering Richmond to wins in two of his three video games on the helm.
A 3rd consecutive victory in opposition to the Saints on Saturday evening would put the Tigers (5-1-7) proper again within the finals hunt heading into their mid-season bye.
And it will strengthen McQualter’s case to take over full-time, if he decides he needs to.
“I’m just grateful for the opportunity I’ve got at the moment. I’m supported by a terrific coaching staff as well,” McQualter instructed reporters on Friday.
“I’ve just been head down … it’s been a really hectic month, as you could imagine, so we’ll just get to the bye and then reassess where it’s at.”
McQualter has had loads on his plate this week managing Marlion Pickett’s reintegration to the membership after the utility was granted bail by a Perth court docket on Monday.
Pickett will sit out of the St Kilda conflict, whereas Rhyan Mansell was unsuccessful in his enchantment in opposition to a three-match ban for tough conduct.
Ben Miller and Maurice Rioli have been recalled, whereas the fifth-placed Saints (8-4) go in unchanged after their win over Sydney final Thursday.
Former St Kilda and Gold Coast participant McQualter will do battle together with his ex-mentor Ross Lyon at Marvel Stadium.
Now 13 video games into his second stint as Saints coach, Lyon revealed final month he had tried to poach McQualter as an assistant for his return to Moorabbin.
“I’ve got a lot of respect for Ross but I was in a position … where I was contracted and had a lot of belief in our footy club, so it wasn’t something that got too far,” McQualter stated.
Finals ambitions apart, Richmond may have added motivation to carry out in opposition to St Kilda as they mark triple-premiership skipper Trent Cotchin’s three hundredth sport.
McQualter stated the “extra one per cent” carry would not present the Tigers victory however urged his facet to comply with the instance Cotchin has set all through his illustrious profession.
“The biggest thing Trent’s done over his career is his ability to stand up in big moments,” McQualter stated.
“When our team’s needed him, when our club’s needed him, he’s been able to stand up.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
