In a surprise move after 4 rounds, Richmond today announced it was beginning the process of head coach recruitment. This comes after shocking losses to Carlton and Geelong, a strong effort resulting in a loss to the Bulldogs, and a scrappy win against a resurgent Melbourne.
Gary March stated that current coach Terry Wallace had been fully consulted on the move, and had been invited to apply. He emphasised that the 5 year cycle overseen by Wallace was coming to an end, and that the club was keen to get on the front foot for the future, particular with a number of coaches coming out of contract at the end of this year.
When asked if this decision, that pre-empted a rolling over of Wallace’s contract, was premature given that the Wallace-coached team had yet to fail to make the 8, March replied that the decision related to the post-2009 period, although Wallace’s achievements during his 4 plus year tenure would provide valuable background to his application. March emphasised that ladder position in 2009 was not the only measure of Wallace’s success. Factors such as player development were also part of the kpi for the period ending in 2009.
Applicants for the 2010 onwards position would be asked to provide for a vision for the next coaching cycle, and Wallace would be given the same opportunity to do this as the other applicants. Wallace could use his achievements to date at the club to project his ideas into the future, including his performance in developing new blood. March also stressed that the recruitment process was likely to be a lengthy one, and Wallace would have ample opportunity to demonstrate his vision for the future on the field during the process.
