Brendan Fevola Opens Up About His Nerves as He Takes on Unexpected Coaching Role with the Tigers

Goalkicking legend Brendan Fevola has joined Richmond’s AFLW team as a specialist coach.

The former player, who achieved 623 goals in 204 career games for Carlton and Brisbane, will focus on refining the kicking and forward skills of the women’s squad ahead of the 2025 season.

Despite having left his playing days behind, Fevola admitted that arriving at Tigerland brought back a rush of nerves.

“I’m officially a Tiger! I drove into Punt Road yesterday (Wednesday), and it felt a bit surreal,” Fevola shared on his morning radio program Fifi, Fev and Nick.

“I attempted to explain it to my family—I felt just like a rookie on my first day being drafted to Carlton. I had that youthful excitement meeting everyone.”

It was a reunion with his close friend and Richmond legend Chris Newman that helped ease Fevola’s nerves.

“It felt surreal to see one of my best mates, Chris Newman (former captain of Richmond), as one of the first faces I encountered,” he recalled.

“We had a laugh, saying, ‘Look at us, both in our 40s and at Tigerland’. It was reminiscent of my first day being drafted.”

The 44-year-old has expressed his “passion” for women’s football and is enthusiastic about contributing to the development of the Tigers program.

“As a specialist coach, I’ll be working closely with the forwards… I’ll be involved in everything,” he stated.

Kate Sheahan, the head of women’s football at Richmond, praised Fevola’s commitment to women’s football, emphasising his role as a father of four daughters.

“His enthusiasm is contagious; he has experience coaching his own team, and his on-field credentials are impressive,” Sheahan remarked on Thursday.

“What really shines through in conversations with Brendan—alongside being a father to four girls—is his genuine enthusiasm for women’s football.”

Since their inception in the league in 2020, the Tigers have twice reached the finals and are hoping Fevola can ignite a strong push for their first premiership this season.

“Brendan will frequently be present during our training sessions, and our players are excited to have him join the team,” Sheahan concluded.