MARK Williams has given his blessing to the decision of retired Port Adelaide ruckman Brendon Lade to join the Richmond coaching panel.

Lade, 33, expressed an interest in coaching after hanging up the boots following the round 22 clash with North Melbourne.

The 234-game veteran received several offers before deciding to become an assistant coach alongside good mate, new Richmond coach Damien Hardwick.

Williams said the Power had talked about the prospect of keeping Lade at Alberton next season, but decided against the idea when current midfield/ruck coach Matthew Primus agreed to the terms of a new deal.

"I would’ve loved to have Ladey, but that was dependent on Matty not staying," Williams told afl.com.au.

"We’re thrilled Matty has decided to stay and it’s worked out nicely for everyone.

"Ladey’s an outstanding get for Richmond and I’m sure he’ll be great support for Damien. He [Lade] will get some great experience and who knows he might end up back here in the future."

Williams spoke to Lade at length about his next career move and said he had no doubt the dual All-Australian and premiership player was ready to move into coaching.

"Ladey was a little unsure as to whether he would be ready to go straight away, but I know he’s ready and within a second he’ll prove that," Williams said.

"He has great knowledge of the game and has a personable way about him. He’s a lot of fun.

"Unfortunately, Richmond are going to be brought down by his dress sense but I’m sure he’ll wander down Chapel Street and, maybe even, down Toorak Road to try and get himself styled up…but he’ll always be a Kangaroo Island boy."

It’s been a busy start to the off-season for Port Adelaide.

The Power are still waiting for forward line coach Jason Cripps, who has been offered a contract for 2010, to declare his intentions.

The club is also sweating on the outcome of an offer put to former North Melbourne coach Dean Laidley to join the coaching panel in an assistant coaching/innovations and strategy role.

Port Adelaide’s prospective involvement in the October exchange period has also heated up with Shaun Burgoyne announcing he wants to be traded to Hawthorn, Essendon or Melbourne.

The Power have already lost veterans Lade, Peter Burgoyne and Toby Thurstans to retirement and Williams said the departure of Shaun Burgoyne would signal the start of a new beginning at Alberton.

"There’s definitely been a changing of the guard and I think that will really enthuse the supporters and spur the group in regards to the opportunities that now exist."

Lade played 234 games with the Power after making his debut in 1997. He was a member of Port’s inaugural AFL premiership side in 2004, won the club’s Best and Fairest in 2006, and was a dual All-Australian representative.
 
The 33-year-old played all 22 games for Port this season before announcing his retirement. He will take up a role with the Tigers as a ruck/midfield coach.
 
“I’m really excited by the opportunity to join the Richmond Football Club,” Lade told richmondfc.com.au.
 
“Hopefully, in the next few years, I can assist the Tigers in getting back to being a really good team in the AFL.
 
“One of the attractions of coming to Richmond is that there’s going to be a whole new game plan for the team.
 
“It’s going to take a while for the players to develop that new game plan, but in a couple of years’ time they should be reaping the rewards.”
 
Lade was a team-mate of Hardwick’s at Port Adelaide from 2002-04, with both playing in the Power’s 2004 premiership team.
 
“I’m really looking forward to working with Damien . . . I think we’ll work well together. We were good mates on the field, and we’ve kept in touch over the years,” Lade said.
 
“Hopefully, everyone in the coaching group can be on the same page and heading in the right direction.”
 
Hardwick described Lade’s appointment as an important acquisition for the Club.
 
“We’re very pleased to have someone of Brendon’s experience and standing in the game join Richmond as an assistant coach,” he said.
 
“He brings with him many of the important attributes we’re looking for. He has a strong character and excellent leadership skills.”