Struggling Richmond make tough call on AFLW coach
Oliver Caffrey |
Richmond have sacked their AFLW coach Ryan Ferguson, just three months after re-signing him.
A review of the Tigers’ football department, led by former Carlton football boss Brad Lloyd, concluded Ferguson and head of women’s football Kate Sheahan should exit the club.
Richmond finished 16th this year with a miserable 2-10 record, equal on wins with wooden spooners Gold Coast.
Despite sitting at 0-4, Richmond decided to re-sign Ferguson in September for the 2026 season.
“We could not ignore our on-field results in 2025,” Tigers chief executive Shane Dunne said.
“Ultimately this is about building a program that gives our female athletes the best chance of success.
“Ryan is a good football person and has been a valued part of the Richmond Football Club for more than a decade across our AFL, AFLW and VFL programs.
“Ryan was at the helm for our first-ever AFLW win and our first finals appearance – historic moments and sources of great pride for the club.
“We thank him for his significant contribution and wish he and his family all the very best for the future.”
Lloyd’s review covered program structure, culture and leadership, coaching and player development, high performance and medical support, recruitment and list strategy.
Richmond insisted Sheahan’s role would be made redundant, rather than being sacked.
The official title of executive head of women’s football will be replaced by a women’s football general manager
“It has taken an enormous amount of energy and passion, and Kate has brought that from the moment she walked in the door,” Dunne said.
“We are absolutely committed to delivering a successful AFLW program and this review was an important part of that.”
AAP
