Alan Richardson will retire from the AFL industry at the conclusion Melbourne's 2026 AFL campaign, following a decorated career spanning more than four decades as a player, coach and administrator.
Joining the club in October 2019, Richardson initially served as Director of Coaching before being appointed General Manager, AFL Football Performance ahead of the 2021 AFL season.
Richardson’s experience, football knowledge and leadership have made him a key figure within the Demons football program since his arrival at the club.
Melbourne CEO Dan Taylor thanked Richardson for the significant contribution he has to the club.
“Alan has given an enormous amount to the club and has been an incredibly important leader within our AFL program,” Taylor said.
“He has brought a calm, considered approach and a genuine care for our players, coaches and staff that has never wavered.
“During his tenure Alan helped guide the club to three consecutive finals series, played an important role in our 2021 premiership and was a member of the coaching selection panel that appointed Steven King as AFL Senior Coach.”
“On behalf of everyone at the club, I sincerely thank Alan for his service and wish him, his wife Joanne, and his family all the best for the next chapter in their lives.”
Richardson said it had been an honour to serve the club, adding that the end of the 2026 AFL season felt like the right time to step away.
“It has been a genuine privilege to be part of the Melbourne Football Club for the past seven years, but the time is now right for me to step away at the end of the season,” Richardson said.
“With Steven King and Ned Guy at the helm, the football department is in great hands, and I wanted to let them know of my intentions to retire to allow them to forward plan and ensure the program is set up for success into the future.
“I have loved working alongside so many terrific players, coaches and staff, and I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together.
“The 2021 premiership will always be a special part of my life, but I am equally proud of the program we have continued to build and the people who have contributed to it.
“There is still a lot to play out for this group in 2026 and I look forward to seeing what we can achieve over the coming months.
“I leave with enormous respect for the club and great confidence in the direction of the football program.
“I am so grateful for the opportunity Melbourne has given me, and I am looking forward to spending more time with my family and beginning the next chapter.”
A solid defender, Richardson played 114 senior games for Collingwood between 1987 and 1996 before moving into coaching.
His coaching journey included senior and development positions with the Western Bulldogs, Collingwood, Essendon, Carlton and Port Adelaide, as well as two seasons as senior coach of Coburg in the VFL.
Richardson was appointed St Kilda senior coach ahead of the 2014 season and led the Saints for 126 games across six seasons, becoming the third-longest-serving senior coach in the club's history.
