Outgoing Richmond chief Brendon Gale urged to 'go straight away' as exit 'drags on'

Caroline Wilson has called out Richmond for their lack of urgency to move on from outgoing CEO Brendon Gale.

The Tigers confirmed in May that Gale would depart the club at season's end to take a role as the Tasmania Devils' inaugural CEO before their inception into the AFL in 2028.

However, with Gale's situation in joining the Devils a unique one, the Tigers decided to keep him at the club until the close of their 2024 campaign.

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Wilson says it has delayed the club's chance to move on and properly attack their rebuild.

"Brendon Gale should have gone from the Richmond football club by now," Wilson said on Nine's Footy Classified on Monday night.

"This arrow is not aimed at him, but the club, and specifically president John O'Rourke, for allowing the leadership handover to drag on for almost an entire season."

Wilson also raised the alarm around not having a replacement for Gale, as the club prepares for its "most crucial off-season since their premiership days".

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The Tigers could likely see the backs of star premiership players such as Shai Bolton and Liam Baker, who are both reportedly on the verge of formally requesting trades back to their home state of WA.

"As the Tigers head into their most crucial trade and draft period for many a year, surely a new boss had to be in charge by now, driving the decision," she said.

"This situation and Gale staying, doesn't seem to have done anyone any good."

There are also reports that premiership defender Daniel Rioli could seek a trade to the Gold Coast Suns, to join former Richmond coach Damien Hardwick, with whom he holds a close bond.

"Richmond sits now at the start of the year, a club at the crossroads. Except now you can throw in a wooden spoon, diminishing crowds and at least three key players wanting out," Wilson said.

Lloyd echoed Wilson's concerns with keeping Gale around, despite the mammoth work he did to bring Richmond three premierships in four years between 2017 and 2020.

"You can't be half in. The moment you say you are leaving for another club, you must go straight away," he said.

"You never ever (are) 100 per cent in for that (current) club. They should have another person in by now."

Meantime, Kane Cornes also raised his concerns surrounding Tigers coach Adem Yze, who has guided his side to just two wins in 2024, with one game remaining in the home-and-away season.

"Geez he's been incredibly soft," Cornes said.

"He's been very soft."

The Tigers could jump into 17th on the ladder if they beat the Suns on Saturday afternoon at the MCG, and if North Melbourne lose to Hawthorn.