Richmond's interim coach Andrew McQualter continues to do his chances for the top job at Tigerland no harm, steering his side to a second-straight road win on Saturday night.
McQualter was served notably by the ilk of Shai Bolton and Tim Taranto, as well as veterans Trent Cotchin and Jack Riewoldt during the Punt Roaders steely 15-point win over Fremantle at Optus Stadium.
The victory off a short turnaround acted as the second of McQualter's brief reign in Tigertown, taking his record to 2-1 after opening his account during last Sunday's thriller over the Giants in Sydney.
Speaking post-game, McQualter revealed that the "tough win" was built off the back of the fortnight in transit allowing his side a chance to bond and regroup.
"The thing we spoke about during the week is that we really like travelling. We come together as a team," the rookie coach said.
Despite only holding the reins for a few weeks, McQualter has been a fixture at Richmond since 2014 having worn numerous hats, including VFL player, development coach and midfield mentor.
The former Saint and Sun has forged strong relationships over the course of this decade within the Tigers' fold, relationships that, according to Herald Sun and Fox journalist Jon Ralph, hold the 37-year-old in strong stead to earn the job on a full-time basis.
Andrew McQualter will have to win the Richmond job despite Teague, Shaw and Ratten being sacked as interim coaches who got the main job. But Richmond insiders are so impressed. The players love him. A long way to go but it would take a very, very good candidate to roll him
— Jon Ralph (@RalphyHeraldSun) June 10, 2023
At 5-1-7 with 10 weeks to go, McQualter will have his work cut out for him to see his side earn a September spot. However, throughout McQualter's playing days at Moorabbin, the Gippsland native earned his reputation as a hardworking role player, adept at doing the gruntwork that allowed star Saints such as Nick Riewoldt and Nick Dal Santo to shine.
The work all starts again next Saturday when McQualter goes up against his old mentor Ross Lyon when the Tigers and Saints do battle at the MCG.