One of the main priorities for Richmond’s new football boss Neil Balme, in the short term, is seeking several assistant coaches to replace those whose tenure at the Club finished at the end of season 2016.

Early this week, the Tigers made their first announcement on that front, securing the services of experienced, highly-regarded AFL assistant coach Blake Caracella, who is coming off a seven-year stint with Geelong, and before then was a member of Collingwood’s coaching panel for three seasons.

Balme is fully aware of Caracella’s coaching capabilities, having been involved with him at the Cats for five years, and believes he will be an excellent addition to Richmond’s ranks.

“Blake’s had a fair bit of experience in coaching.  He’s been in some really good programs –  Collingwood, when he was there, plus, obviously, his work at Geelong,” Balme told ‘Roar Vision’.

“He’s a really smart coach . . .

“I think he’ll bring a hell of a lot to this program. 

“I’m really very excited to have him here.”

Caracella’s exact role with the Tigers is yet to be determined, but Balme expressed considerable confidence in his capacity to successfully manage any coaching assignment.

“I’m not sure which line he’ll take – we haven’t quite decided that – but he’s capable of doing any of probably the five different disciplines that are in it, whether it’s we’ve got the ball, they’ve got the ball, or whether it’s forward, back or midfield.  He’s certainly had experience in all those things,” Balme said.