FORMER Richmond premiership player Emmett Dunne will join the club's board from September, replacing retired long-serving director John Matthies.

Dunne has been a member of the AFL Tribunal since 1997, but will step down from that role.

He played 115 games for the Tigers between 1976 and 1983 and was a member of the Tigers' 1980 premiership side. He also coached the reserves side following his retirement and served as ruck coach from 1993 to 1995.

The 60-year-old also served 39 years on the Victoria Police force before retiring in 2015.

"We are delighted to have Emmett join the board. He brings a wealth of experience on many levels - not only as a result of his long association with elite and grass roots football - but through his distinguished career with the Victoria Police," Richmond president Peggy O'Neal said.

"He brings a particularly strong skill set in areas such as ethical leadership, culture and capability, integrity and security – areas of paramount importance in the modern game."

The Tigers' board had come under pressure by prominent supporters in recent weeks rallying for change at the club's highest level.

The influential group had been focused on identifying new talent to move into board positions, replacing long-serving directors.

As well as Mathies, board members Maurice O'Shannassy (elected December 2004) and Robert Dalton (November 2004) have served for extended periods.