Richmond Football Club has announced a significant coaching restructure for the 2026 AFL season, promoting Jake Batchelor and Sam Lonergan to key AFL line coaching roles. Batchelor, previously Richmond’s VFL senior coach, will take charge of the backs/defence line, bringing with him five years of senior coaching experience at VFL level and a recent track record of leading Richmond’s VFL side to a wildcard finals victory. His appointment reflects the club’s desire to inject fresh energy and tactical innovation into their defensive structures after a challenging 2025 season[1].
Sam Lonergan, who has been Richmond’s Head of Development for six years, will transition into a specialized role focusing on the midfield group, particularly stoppages. Lonergan’s background includes senior coaching roles in the TSL and SANFL, and his deep knowledge of player development is expected to enhance Richmond’s midfield competitiveness. The club’s Executive General Manager Football Performance, Tim Livingstone, emphasized that both Batchelor and Lonergan have impressed during an extensive interview process and are seen as pivotal to improving Richmond’s overall team performance in the coming season[1].
This coaching overhaul comes amid broader AFL coaching pressures and club restructures across the league. While Richmond is investing in internal talent to rebuild, other clubs like Carlton have undergone more extensive off-field revamps, including the departure of multiple assistant coaches and football department personnel following a disappointing 2025 campaign. Carlton’s retention of senior coach Michael Voss despite these changes highlights the delicate balance clubs face between stability and the need for renewal[3].
Richmond’s approach appears to focus on continuity and development rather than wholesale change, promoting from within to maintain cultural cohesion while addressing specific tactical weaknesses. Batchelor’s defensive expertise and Lonergan’s midfield stoppage knowledge target two critical areas that often determine match outcomes. This strategic shift aims to restore Richmond’s competitiveness by leveraging the coaching staff’s familiarity with the club’s playing list and culture, potentially accelerating player development and on-field cohesion.
The ripple effects of these appointments are likely to extend beyond immediate game-day tactics. By elevating coaches who have been integral to player development, Richmond signals a commitment to nurturing young talent and embedding a strong football philosophy throughout the club. This could enhance player morale and buy-in, fostering a positive environment conducive to sustained improvement. Richmond’s forthcoming announcements regarding their VFL senior coach and development coaching structure will further clarify how this coaching realignment fits into their broader football strategy[1].