FORMER Melbourne star Aaron Davey will make his start in coaching while continuing his playing career with Richmond's standalone VFL team in 2014.
Davey, who played 178 games for the Demons before retiring at the end of last season, has been unveiled as one of the Tigers' top-up players to assist the club's developing stocks in the VFL next season.
He will also have a coaching and mentoring role with the VFL team, working closely with the club's indigenous players.
"It's something I'm really passionate about and something I'm looking forward to," he told richmondfc.com.au.
"I'm passionate about doing a bit of coaching as well as a bit of a mentoring role.
"Those were the key factors that helped me come to Richmond and give this advice to some of these young guys."
After a 13-year alignment with Coburg, the Tigers will operate their own reserves team next season with the club committing significant resources to the VFL side.
Coach Tim Clarke will be joined on match day by development coaches Andrew McQualter (midfield), Max Bailey (forward line) and Greg Moller (backline), as well as a full-time fitness coach and operations manager.
Davey said he looked forward to working with the VFL coaching group, while also continuing his playing career.
The 30-year-old, who was recruited with pick No.3 in the 2004 NAB AFL Rookie Draft, won Melbourne's best and fairest in 2009 and played 20 games in 2013.
