Andrew McQualter will depart Richmond on good terms despite missing out on the senior coaching job, which he first discovered via radio.
Foxfooty.com.au understands McQualter found out Adem Yze was set to be appointed as Richmond coach via radio on Thursday night, when veteran journalist Caroline Wilson relayed that information, despite McQualter being the only other remaining candidate for the job.
Richmond insists the decision was not official at the time Wilson reported he was poised to be announced as coach at a Friday press conference.
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While he found out from the club very shortly after, the fact McQualter – the caretaker coach – learned of the club’s leaning via radio and not Richmond marked an unfortunate end to his time at the club.
It’s understood McQualter has interest from several AFL rivals and is expected to remain in Victoria with his young family.
He has been at Richmond since the end of 2014 and was an assistant coach through Richmond’s premiership-winning run.
He finished with seven wins from 13 games as caretaker coach after Damien Hardwick’s sudden resignation midway through the season.
Yze said on Friday he would be open to McQualter staying at the club.
“If he stays, I’d love him to stay at the footy club,” Yze said.
“He’s created some strong relationships, he understands the place, so I’d have no issue with him staying around and being my right-hand man.
If he does move on – we’ll find that out in the next few days – he’ll go with our blessing and I’ll try and fill that spot.”
Richmond CEO Brendon Gale admitted McQualter was “disappointed” and that it remained to be seen where his future would lie.
