Batchelor & Lonergan Elevated To AFL Assistant Coaches

[Punt rd end]

Richmond’s 2025 VFL senior coach Jake Batchelor and Head of Development Sam Lonergan will step into AFL line coaching roles for the 2026 season.

Batchelor and Lonergan to step into AFL line roles

Jake Batchelor and Sam Lonergan will step into new AFL coaching positions for the 2026 season.

www.richmondfc.com.au

 

[Groupie_]

will step away at the end of next season like lambo and mortis

 

[JackNah_8]

Great opportunity for both

 

[Groupie_]

another promotion from within ? we got no money ? whats the problem ?

 

[Tiger_Of_Old]

another promotion from within ? we got no money ? whats the problem ?

Saving coin for Grigga.

 

[_RT_]

With not a lot of available assistant coaches it kind of makes sense to promote those who already have an understanding of what Yze is trying to implement and in Batchelors case have shown that they are a decent coach in their own right having taken our VFL program to the finals despite often having very few AFL listed players to call on.

It will be interesting to see who we end up appointing as the VFL coach as well as the new Head of Development.

 

[Lord of the Wings]

FFS next we’ll promote Farken Ferguson.

 

[Dr Tigris]

Batchelor has proven himself. No complaints. But maybe a bit incestuous.

Means there are spots open. Interesting to see who takes them.

 

[Truetiger]

Most assistants have contracts, and many organisations promote from within. I’m unsure why this is an issue. Bachelor deserves it.

 

[Punt rd end]

Reading that there was an interview process and that Jake presented a plan for the backline that was accepted makes me feel a lot more comfortable than just a job for mates

 

[JackNah_8]

Batchelor deserves the promotion

 

[db26]

Still need to get someone from outside the club in a role different opinions and views always better

 

[kozi]

Most assistants have contracts, and many organisations promote from within. I’m unsure why this is an issue. Bachelor deserves it.

 

[Infamy]

I wonder if someone like Rob Harding from Sandy Dragons would be interested in taking up a role, especially as Head of Development.
He's been head coach there since 2023 and while they did make the GF the year before he arrived, he's taken them to 3 straight GFs with 2 wins. Not a huge list of top draft candidates there this year either and he had them right in the game.

 

[Tiger_Of_Old]

With not a lot of available assistant coaches it kind of makes sense to promote those who already have an understanding of what Yze is trying to implement and in Batchelors case have shown that they are a decent coach in their own right having taken our VFL program to the finals despite often having very few AFL listed players to call on.

It will be interesting to see who we end up appointing as the VFL coach as well as the new Head of Development.

Robey will be playing vfl coach.

 

[kozi]

All caps thread title giving me anxiety

 

[Tackle Bag]

I would have thought we’d be bringing in experienced help from successful programs. Our coaching group remains underwhelming

 

[A Tiger 4 lyf]

Not a lot of success in that coaches box atm

 

[Michaels]

For those wanting people from outside the club.

Newman
Caracella
Ziebell
Batchelor

All come from other clubs last year.

Need to consolidate at some point.

 

[Groupie_]

I think they are planning to not renew yze after 2026 if we have a shite year again and thats why they dont want to spend big now on assistants

grigg will choose his own assistants

 

[Tigers Time]

Lot easier to fill Batch and Lonergan’s positions then assistant coaches at the moment with not many uncontracted senior assistants around.

I’m happy if the process the club went through found the best available was to promote from within.

 

[Muddiemoose]

Lot easier to fill Batch and Lonergan’s positions then assistant coaches at the moment with not many uncontracted senior assistants around.

I’m happy if the process the club went through found the best available was to promote from within.

Tend to see recently retired players start off as development coaches

Will be interesting who lands with us someone like Boak would be ideal imo

 

[Tigers Time]

Tend to see recently retired players start off as development coaches

Will be interesting who lands with us someone like Boak would be ideal imo

Wasn’t there a rumour about Bruest?

 

[Muddiemoose]

Wasn’t there a rumour about Bruest?

I hadn’t come across any personally but did see his name mentioned in our coaches thread

Would also be a fantastic get for us especially given our young forwards

 

[Truetiger]

I think they are planning to not renew yze after 2026 if we have a shite year again and thats why they dont want to spend big now on assistants

grigg will choose his own assistants

How many times do you want to keep repeating the same tired message? When it’s public, they’re working on renewing Yze’s contract. Deal with it lol