Interim Richmond coach Andrew McQualter has updated reporters on the Tigers' hiring process regarding the club's continued head-coaching vacancy, as well as previewed this Saturday's emotional send-off for retiring stalwarts Trent Cotchin and Jack Riewoldt.
McQualter is one of a host of names on a candidate shortlist for the Tigers' open gig, with Richmond thought to be narrowing down its list of options ahead of an eventual decision that is likely to be made ahead of this year's list-shaping off-season period.
Addressing the media at Punt Road on Friday morning ahead of Richmond's Round 23 bout with North Melbourne, McQualter shared the latest on the yellow and black's process.
"Basically, over the next few weeks they'll start interviewing the candidates, so for me, it'll probably be when the season finishes, the interview process will start, that'll just run its course and the club will do what's needed from there," said McQualter on Friday.
"To be honest, I haven't spent a whole heap of time [thinking about] it. I haven't had the chance at the moment, [I've] been really busy and just doing my job here at the club, which has been great.
"I've been supported really well by a bunch of coaches here and staff and everyone really, so that's been my focus.
"I've said the whole time 'what will be will be' in that space."
On Saturday, the Tigers faithful will farewell three-time flag duo Cotchin and Riewoldt at the MCG.
"It is a massive day - I've been doing this job for 11 weeks and I've sacked two of the legends of the club. Not a bad effort, is it," McQualter jested.
"We've spoken about it to the players ... we get one more chance to honour them (Cotchin and Riewoldt), and play with them and for them."
McQualter also addressed Daniel Rioli's playing status after the defender was altered by an ankle concern during last Sunday's belting at the hands of St Kilda.
"[He] didn't train that much yesterday and won't do too much today but we're confident he'll get to the line, so we'll give him every chance," the interim mentor stated.
"[He's] such an important player for us and has had such a long history with Jack and Trent as well, so our plan is that he'll be alright."
As for midfielder Jacob Hopper, who returns to McQualter's side this Saturday after missing last weekend's clash due to concussion, the coach confirmed he's 'ready' to go against the Roos.
"He's been really bubbly, he's trained well, certainly two days ago he had a really good hitout, trained well and he's ready to go, so we're excited to get him back in."
McQualter also confirmed ex-coach Damien Hardwick would be in attendance for Saturday afternoon's game, noting he hasn't yet spoken to the three-time premiership conductor but looks forward to having a chat.
"He'll come to the game on the weekend, [he's] obviously been so influential for Trent and Jack, so we'll see him at the game, which is awesome," McQualter said. "I haven't spoken to him personally but I'm really looking forward to seeing him and catching up."
Richmond's meeting with North Melbourne is scheduled for 1:45 PM (AEST) this Saturday afternoon at the MCG.
