RETIRED pair Chris Newman and Adam Schneider could each make an immediate move into coaching after impressing as mentors to young players in the final years of their careers.
Newman is set on entering AFL coaching ranks after completing the League's Level Two course and working closely with the Sandringham Dragons in the TAC Cup last year, running a training session most weeks of the season.
The Richmond favourite, who made an emotional farewell speech at the club's best and fairest on Tuesday night, appears certain to leave the Tigers to launch his coaching career.
Coach Damien Hardwick believes a start outside Richmond would benefit the 33-year-old, who will return to Melbourne on Monday and assess his options next week.
Schneider, meanwhile, is weighing up a coaching future after impressing as a mentor to the St Kilda's young players this season.
A premiership half-forward with the Sydney Swans in 2005, Schneider has expressed his desire to move into coaching at the end of his career but it is understood he is yet to decide whether he moves straight into the system.
The Saints have maintained all of their assistant coaches for next season, so the 31-year-old could need to move to a new club to launch his post-playing career.
He is considered a ready made assistant by those who have worked with him, particularly later in his 13-year career.
"At times he has been like another assistant coach on the field and has provided tremendous guidance for our young players like Jack Lonie and Jack Sinclair," Saints coach Alan Richardson said last month.
Schneider had an opportunity to move into coaching last year but was retained on the Saints' rookie list instead, going on to play 15 games as an important part of the forward line.
Adam Schneider with Leigh Montagna after his final St Kilda match this season. Picture: AFL Media