Richmond has dismissed AFLW coach Ryan Ferguson following a “comprehensive external review” of its women’s program.
It surprisingly comes after Ferguson in early September signed a new one-year contract extension.
The review, commissioned in October, was led by former Carlton football boss Brad Lloyd after the Tigers finished third-last on the AFLW ladder with just two wins from 12 games.
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“We could not ignore our on-field results in 2025. Ultimately this is about building a program that gives our female athletes the best chance of success,” Richmond chief executive Shane Dunne said in a statement on Thursday.
The review, which undertook “wide-ranging consultation” including the playing group, delved into “program structure and governance, culture and leadership, coaching and player development, high performance and medical support, recruitment and list strategy”.
Dunne, who thanked Ferguson for his six years of service as women’s coach, said the Tigers were in need of “a different voice”.
“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,” Dunne said.
“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.
“Ultimately the decision was made that we needed a different voice, and we will now commence the search to find the best possible senior coach for our AFLW team.”
Ferguson said in a statement released by the club: “I’ve loved my time at Richmond, worked with so many amazing people and I’m proud to have given everything I possibly could to every program I’ve been involved in. I believe in this group and wish them great success in coming seasons.”
Richmond also announced it was restructuring its football department, with executive head of women’s football Kate Sheehan made redundant.
Correspondingly, the club will appoint a general manager of women’s football, who will report directly to Dunne.
“As Executive Head of Women’s Football, Kate Sheahan has done a huge amount of work building our AFLW program from the ground up and we thank her for her dedication and commitment,” Dunne said.
“It has taken an enormous amount of energy and passion, and Kate has brought that from the moment she walked in the door. We wish her and her family the best for whatever comes next.”