Steve Morris at the 2021 VFL launch. Picture: AFL Photos

RICHMOND has produced a rarity in modern football after naming favourite son Steve Morris as its playing coach for the 2022 VFL season.

Morris, 32, will step up from an assistant coaching role into the top job to replace Xavier Clarke, who will turn his full focus to the AFL line coaching role he took in the second half of this season after two COVID-ruined years as VFL coach.

The hard-at-it defender will be the first VFL playing coach since David Teague took charge of the Northern Bullants in 2008, taking the club to the elimination final before retiring as a player and overseeing consecutive Grand Final appearances in 2009-10.

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Playing coaches were much more common in the 1990s, with Donald McDonald winning Werribee's only premiership in his first year in charge in 1993 and the great Barry Round leading Williamstown to the flag in 1990.

David Rhys-Jones (Frankston 1996-97), Tom Alvin (Sandringham, 1995) and Leon Harris (Werribee, 1991) also took their teams to Grand Finals while serving as playing coaches.

Richmond VFL captain Steve Morris in round 13, 2021. Picture: AFL Photos

Morris is well known and respected across the competition, remaining at Tigerland as VFL captain after his AFL career ended in 2017 following 87 matches and 12 goals, leading the team to the 2019 premiership alongside now Collingwood AFL coach Craig McRae.

Morris has played 56 VFL matches and kicked nine goals for Richmond, including six games this year for an average of 15.3 disposals, three marks and 3.2 tackles, and will continue to lead from the front.

"I am looking forward to continuing to work with the young guys we have got coming through our VFL program," he told richmondfc.com.au

"The stop-start nature of this year was frustrating at times for all of us, but the boys showed plenty of resilience and a real willingness to improve their games and be self-driven.

"I think that should hold us in good stead for next season, and I am really looking forward to getting to work and helping every player involved with our VFL team."

The Tigers' general manager of football performance Tim Livingstone said Morris was highly respected by everyone at the Swinburne Centre.

"Steve has been an admired leader both on and off the field throughout his time at the Tigers," Livingstone told the club's website.

"His dedication in assisting our VFL players and the second-tier program has been first-class – we are thrilled to be able to give Steve this opportunity and the players will also benefit greatly.”

Twitter: @BRhodesVFL