New Richmond Head of Development Chris Newman has given an insight into his role for the 2027 season.
Newman was an assistant coach in 2026 but transitions into the head of development at a key time where the Tigers have welcomed in a host of top-end draft picks, and they are set for two more top 10 selections, and three top 20 selections at next week's AFL Draft.
He succeeds Jack Ziebell, who moved into a line coaching role, and will work closely with development coaches Taylor Duryea and Luke Breust and VFL coach Jack Madgen.
"The main priority for me is connecting with the lads as quickly as possible and I'd like to think I have a good relationship with them already so we're off to a good start and we welcome in some new boys (at the draft) next week and away we go," Newman said.
"It's a fair role. There's some managerial type responsibilities so I look forward to unpacking what that looks like for me. I've dipped my toes in some other responsibilities but this is a different role so I'm excited by it."
He also gave a positive update on Josh Smillie, who has had an injury-ruined first two seasons at AFL level after being a highly regarded selection in the 2024 AFL National Draft.
“He's tracking really well. He's completed all of our sessions so far and he's put a big body of work into the off-season to set him up,” Newman said.
“He's not unlike all the other boys joining in today who are joining in today and have done a big block of work over summer.”
The head of development also gave an insight into what he is hoping to see from Irish pair John Phiri and Evan Boyle who are both vying for a Category B rookie list spot.
“They're great. They rolled into our team meeting this morning,” Newman said.
“They stayed with a couple of our lads. They're really excited. They're a little bit shocked by our environment and how upbeat we are. They've got a lot to learn but the thing we're looking at from those two lads is to come in and play their normal style of footy. From a Gaelic background, come and showcase what you've got.”
