Richmond VFL and development coach Craig McRae has been named Assistant Coach of the Year at the AFL Coaches Association Awards on Tuesday night.

A fitting reward for an outstanding season, the premiership coach has enjoyed his most successful coaching year to date.

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McRae led Richmond VFL to a thrilling three-point Grand Final win over Williamstown on Sunday, the Club’s first reserve-grade premiership since 1997.

In a dominant year, the Tigers also secured their second consecutive minor premiership.

McRae, who was also named VFL Coach of the Year earlier this month, was a triple premiership player at Brisbane. He worked as a development coach at Tigerland from 2007 to 2009 before returning at the end of 2015.

Under his tutelage, McRae has developed a tight-knit culture driven by connection, camaraderie and a hunger to succeed.

Geelong’s Nigel Lappin finished second in the award, with Sydney’s Dean Cox third.

Richmond senior coach Damien Hardwick was recognised for a stellar year with third place in the Senior Coach of the Year award.

Brisbane’s Chris Fagan took out the honour after steering the Lions from 15th place on the ladder in 2018 to second spot in 2019, while GWS’ Leon Cameron finished second.

2019 Shadforth Financial Group AFL Coaches Association Awards

Monjon Allan Jeans Senior Coach of the Year
1. Chris Fagan – Brisbane Lions – 361 Votes
2. Leon Cameron – GWS Giants – 238 Votes
3. Damien Hardwick – Richmond Tigers – 206 Votes

Atlantic Group Assistant Coach of the Year
1. Craig McRae – Richmond Tigers
2. Nigel Lappin – Geelong Cats
3. Dean Cox – Sydney Swans