Interim Richmond coach Andrew McQualter has reflected on his trial opportunity after capping his fill-in stint on Sunday afternoon.
The Tigers, eliminated from finals contention this year, fell to the Power by 31 points at Adelaide Oval on Sunday, concluding their 2023 campaign.
Now, McQualter, alongside a host of shortlisted candidates, will throw his hat in the ring for Richmond's permanent head-coaching gig, with the Tigers understood to be wanting to cement their new mentor before the conclusion of the AFL season, in time for the list-shaping period of the year.
Speaking to the media after the loss, McQualter had a chance to properly reflect on the period before preparing to fully immerse himself in the interview process.
"I've loved the opportunity I've been given, I feel like I've grown a lot in the last three months, like any time you start a new job, even though I'd seen it (coaching) first-hand," McQualter told reporters post-game at Adelaide Oval on Sunday.
"I've learned a lot, been really well supported, I've loved every minute of it."
Asked again about the interview process for the full-time job, McQualter stated he'll interview again in the coming week or so.
"All along I've sort of said I'll interview next week or the week after [and] that'll just take its place," McQualter continued.
"I think all [my] attention's just been on the game and the team at this stage, just preparing the players for each week, so we'll do our exit interviews as per normal over the next few days ... We'll set them up for a good off-season and into next pre-season."
McQualter also addressed a seemingly significant hamstring injury for small forward Maurice Rioli Jnr, resulting in the livewire being substituted out of the game.
"We think it's his other hamstring (from the one he previously hurt), so [it's] disappointing for Maurice to finish the season like that but I'm sure he'll do his rehab right and a big off-season [will] set him up for a big year (next season)."
Richmond will now turn its attention to October's player movement space and November's National Draft.