Match-Day Communication Protocols: The Richmond Checklist
In the furnace of an AFL match, talent can get you to the contest, but communication wins it. For the Richmond Football Club during its dynasty era, the cacophony of the ‘G wasn’t noise—it was a canvas. On it, the Tigers painted a masterpiece of coordinated pressure, seamless transition, and unbreakable trust, all through a meticulously crafted language of on-field communication.
This wasn’t mere shouting. It was a system. A protocol. From the leadership group setting the tone to the last player in the rotation executing a role, every word, signal, and gesture had purpose. It turned 22 individuals in Yellow and Black into a single, predatory organism. For students of the game, understanding this system is key to understanding how Richmond operated at its peak.
This checklist breaks down the essential match-day communication protocols that defined the Tigers’ golden era. Implement these steps to fortify your own team’s on-field dialogue, ensuring everyone is connected, accountable, and playing with the same ruthless intent that delivered three flags in four years.
Prerequisites / What You Need
Before stepping onto the field, the foundation for effective communication must be laid. The Tigers’ system didn’t appear spontaneously on Grand Final day; it was built at Punt Road.
A Shared Lexicon: Your team must speak the same tactical language. This means universal understanding of terms like “stand” (hold your position), “roll through” (switch defensive assignments), and “chaos” (instigate unpredictable, high-pressure ball movement). This vocabulary was drilled relentlessly.
Defined Leadership Roles: Clarity on who speaks, and when. The Captain, Trent Cotchin, was the emotional and structural heartbeat. On-field generals like Alex Rance orchestrated the defence, while Dustin Martin’s actions often communicated more than words.
Film Review Habit: Regularly reviewing game tape, not just for errors, but to analyse communication successes and failures. How did Bachar Houli direct traffic from half-back? How did Dion Prestia call for a handball in traffic?
Trust: The non-negotiable. Players must believe in the system and in each other’s voices. This trust was forged in the hard years and crystallised in moments like the 2017 premiership breakthrough.
The Step-by-Step Process
Follow this numbered protocol from pre-game to final siren to embed Richmond-level communication into your match day.
1. Pre-Game: The Leadership Huddle & Role Reinforcement
The work begins before the first bounce. In the rooms, the leadership core—modelled on Cotchin, Riewoldt, and Rance—must set the communicative tone.
The Captain’s Address: Cotchin’s message was rarely complicated. It focused on effort, voice, and connection. Reinforce the simple mantra: “See it, say it.”
Line-Specific Briefings: Backs, mids, and forwards gather separately. The defensive group, led by a Rance-like figure, reviews key opponent match-ups and their call-and-response signals for switches and spoils. The midfield, with a Prestia at its core, confirms clearance codes and exit strategies.
Individual Accountability: Each player is reminded of their primary communication responsibility (e.g., the ruckman calling direction, the half-back organising the press).
2. Quarter Breaks: The Structured Debrief & Adjustment
Under Damien Hardwick, quarter breaks were strategic pit stops, not just rests. Communication about communication is vital.
First to Speak: Allow the designated line leaders (e.g., a senior defender) 15-20 seconds to address their group with immediate observations before the senior coach speaks.
Focus on Solutions, Not Noise: Hardwick and his staff would cut through the chaos. The instruction wasn’t “talk more,” but “talk smarter.” Identify one specific breakdown: “Our wingers aren’t hearing the ‘switch’ call from half-back. Lift the volume and clarity on that.”
The “One Thing” Reset: Players leave the huddle with one communicative adjustment to make. For example, “This quarter, Jack, you own the lead-up call for the deep forwards.”
3. In-Play: The On-Field Communication Hierarchy
During live play, a strict hierarchy prevents a cacophony of conflicting instructions.
Layer 1: The Man in Possession. He has the primary voice. His call—“hands”, “open left”, “time”—is law. Dustin Martin’s calm, directive calls in traffic were a hallmark.
Layer 2: The Immediate Support Players. Players within 15 metres provide specific, actionable information. “Man on!” (pressure coming), “Step right!” (creating a handball lane), “Wheel!” (turn and use the space behind).
Layer 3: The Off-Ball Directors. This is where Richmond’s system shone. The Alex Rances and Bachar Houlis, who could see the whole field, would orchestrate structure: “Squeeze!” (push the defensive press up), “Watch the short kick!”, “Number 5 is your man now!” during a transition.
Layer 4: The Emotional Drivers. The Captain and key leaders provide the constant energy and reinforcement, especially after a turnover or a score against. Cotchin’s relentless encouragement to “next moment” was critical.
4. Stoppages: The Strategic Reset & Reorganisation
Every ball-up or boundary throw-in is a chance to reset the entire team structure verbally.
Full-Team Scan: Players must look up and verbally confirm their direct opponent and positioning. A chorus of “got mine” or “set” ensures no one is unaccounted for.
Clearance Code Activation: The midfield quartet, often led by Prestia, uses pre-set codes for clearance setups. A simple number or colour can dictate a boundary-side exit or a centre clearance play designed for Martin.
Backline & Forward Line Re-lock: As the midfield sets, the defence and attack re-establish their zoning or match-up calls. The key defender barks orders to set the defensive 50 arc.
5. Celebrations & Setbacks: The Mood Regulation
Communication controls momentum. The Tigers were masters at using voice to either amplify positive energy or staunch bleeding.
After a Goal: It starts with the goal scorer acknowledging the assist, but quickly turns to the next task. The message from leaders: “Back to work. Reset. Zero-zero.” This prevented post-goal lapses.
After an Opposition Goal: The nearest leader to the goals (often the full-back or ruckman) immediately gathers the troops. The focus is on solution-oriented language: “We win the next clearance. Our turn.” Avoid blame; emphasise collective response.
Pro Tips / Common Mistakes
PRO TIP: Develop Non-Verbal Signals. Crowd noise at the Melbourne Cricket Ground can drown out voices. Richmond used hand signals (e.g., a tap on the head for a switch) and eye contact, especially from Martin to a leading Riewoldt.
PRO TIP: The “Why” Behind the “What.” Don’t just yell “man up.” Add context: “Man up on number 12, he’s the outlet.” This engages the player’s brain, not just their ears.
COMMON MISTAKE: The Blame Shout. “Who had him?!” is destructive. Replace it with the forward-looking, Richmond-style “I’ll take him next time” or “We cover that together.”
COMMON MISTAKE: Silence from Star Players. Even quiet influencers must have a communicative role. For Dusty, it was often a short, sharp directive in a pack. Ensure your best players are mandated to lead with specific, tactical calls.
COMMON MISTAKE: Over-Communication. Too many voices create static. Adhere to the hierarchy. If the man in possession is calling, support players should use short confirmations (“yes”, “here”) rather than new instructions.
Checklist Summary
Use this bullet list as your match-day quick reference guide to implement the Richmond communication protocol.
- Pre-Game: Conduct leadership huddle and line-specific briefings to reinforce shared lexicon and role-based communication duties.
- Quarter Breaks: Facilitate structured debriefs; allow line leaders to speak first, focus on one specific communicative adjustment for the next quarter.
- In-Play Hierarchy: Respect the layered system: 1) Man in possession, 2) Immediate support, 3) Off-ball directors, 4) Emotional drivers.
- At Stoppages: Use the pause to reset verbally. Conduct full-team scans (“got mine”), activate clearance codes, and re-lock defensive/forward structures.
- Momentum Moments: Regulate mood after scores. Celebrate, then immediately reset. After conceding, use solution-focused language to rally (“next moment”).
- Employ Non-Verbals: Integrate pre-agreed hand signals and eye contact for high-noise environments.
- Quality Over Noise: Ensure all communication is actionable, specific, and forward-looking. Avoid blame and redundant shouting.
By internalising this checklist, you move beyond simply playing together to thinking together. This was the silent engine of Richmond’s dynasty—a web of connection that made the Yellow and Black more than the sum of its parts. It’s how a drought was broken in 2017, how a back-to-back was achieved in 2019, and how a historic three-peat was sealed in 2020. Now, the blueprint is yours.
Further Reading on The Dynasty Den:
Dive deeper into the strategic framework in our hub on Tactics & Game Style.
Understand how communication fixes breakdowns in our guide to Fixing Defensive Transition Issues.
* Master the vocabulary of the era with our glossary of Key Tactical Terms from the Richmond Dynasty.
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