Top job:Adem Yze is the new Richmond coach.Credit:Richmond Football Club
The club confirmed the decision on social media on Thursday night.
After a long process the final decision was down to a choice between caretaker coach and popular long-term Richmond assistant coach Andrew McQualter and former Melbourne player,Hawthorn assistant coach and current Demons assistant coach Yze.
“Tactically he is as good as I have seen. He sees it really well,he sees what is unfolding before others,” a former colleague said of Yze. The person worked with Yze in the Hawks coach’s box but did not wish to be named as he works at a rival club.
Demons assistant Adem YzeCredit:Getty Images
The length of time it has taken to make the appointment - Hardwick quit the Tigers on May 22 - was latterly slightly complicated by Melbourne’s involvement in the finals.
Yze had been due to have his final interview with the coaching selection panel on Friday and McQualter on Monday with a board meeting on Tuesday night scheduled to make the decision.
With Melbourne playing in a semi-final on Friday night it was agreed it was inappropriate for Yze to be distracted by meeting with Richmond and his interview was postponed to Tuesday. There was insufficient time to digest the final interviews and make a recommendation to the board in time for Tuesday night’s meeting.