Tigers Secure Well-Known Name for New Recruiting Position Following Impressive Eight-Player Draft Success

Richmond has locked in a new national recruiting manager, promoting Rhy Gieschen from within to lead the club’s team of talent scouts.

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The Tigers on Monday confirmed the appointment of Gieschen, who’s been Richmond’s Victorian recruiting manager the past two years.

It comes three months after former Tigers recruiting boss Chris Toce tragically passed away following his brief and private battle with an aggressive form of cancer.

Gieschen at last year’s draft sat next to Toce’s young son Harry and helped him officially enter the Tigers’ No. 1 selection choice, which was Sam Lalor.

Gieschen played an integral role in the Tigers’ mega eight-player 2024 draft haul, which included six players being taken in the first round.

He’s been in the footy industry for nearly 15 years, holding roles at the likes of AFL Victoria, AFL Coaches’ Association and the Northern Knights, while he was also Director of Football and First XVIII coach at Melbourne Grammar School for two seasons.

“Rhy did an outstanding job in assisting and guiding the recruiting process in the preparation for last year’s national draft,” Tigers football talent boss Blair Hartley said.

Blair Hartley, Richmond GM of Football. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

“He has had a strong grounding in the AFL industry, having played a variety of roles in both talent and operations.

“All of this, combined with the experience he has gained in the past two years with us in our recruiting department has given him a solid base as he continues to grow and develop further.”

Gieschen is the son of Jeff Gieschen, who coached the Tigers between 1997 and 1999 before becoming the AFL umpires’ boss. His brother is Nick Gieschen, who’s a leading player agent for Connors Sports Management.