Melbourne assistant coach Troy Chaplin has revealed while he hasn't been contacted by Richmond for their coaching search, the former Tiger and Port Adelaide defender is open to potentially pursuing the vacancy at Punt Road as he plans to one day step into a senior coaching role.
Chaplin has built a strong coaching CV since announcing his retirement in 2016, having moved into the Demons' coaches box and helping lead Melbourne to their drought-breaking premiership in 2021.
Currently the Demons' backline coach, Chaplin has held multiple roles under the tutelage of Simon Goodwin, who stepped into the senior coaching role the same off-season Chaplin moved into coaching.
Named assistant coach of the year last year, Chaplin is one of the more respected deputies in the competition, with the 37-year-old raised as one of the leading potential candidates for Richmond to consider to succeed Damien Hardwick.
Speaking on SEN on Sunday, Chaplin said senior coaching is "on the radar" as he looks toward the future, but noted he wouldn't rush into the first opening that arises.
"It's something I want to do," Chaplin said.
"I'm passionate about coaching, I love trying to help others. I take joy out of (players) improving and reaching their own individual goals and team goals.
"(Senior coaching) is certainly on the radar, whether that's soon or further down the track - all I can do is be the best assistant coach I can be at the moment and just keep finding ways to improve individually.
"It certainly is a goal of mine in the future, but I'm not going to rush into it either. I need to make sure the opportunity is right. I want to succeed."
Richmond are expected to take the next steps in their coaching search after confirming their sub committee last week, with the Victorian powerhouse flagging an appointment is expected to be made no later than the end of September.
Interim coach Andrew McQualter has built a steady case since Hardwick's departure after Round 10 to be seen as the favourite for the job.
Chaplin's ex-teammate Josh Carr and fellow Demons assistant Adem Yze could be among the names also contending for the senior coaching vacancy.
When quizzed on whether Richmond have reached out to him in their search, Chaplin said no contact had been made. The 75-game ex-Tiger did admit he would "definitely go down that path" if Richmond were keen.
"I haven't spoken to anyone from the Tigers," Chaplin revealed.
"You just wait, and if they want to have a chat then I'd definitely go down that path.
"I think everyone is waiting to see what happens there and where that goes."
Yze has also flagged his desire to become a senior coach amid Richmond's search, while Carr has also been tied to the role after gaining plaudits for his role at Port Adelaide.
