Brendon Lade was a foundation player when Port Adelaide began in the AFL, and is now delighted with the chance to help Richmond start from scratch.

Lade, whose 234-game playing career with the Power ended less than a month ago, has been appointed an assistant coach with the Tigers, where he will join friend and former teammate Damien Hardwick, Richmond's new coach.

Lade will work primarily as a ruck and midfield coach after signing to a three-year contract.

Given the clean-out that has already begun at Richmond following their dismal 2009, Lade said he was pleased to get the chance to have an influence on so many young players.

"They're going to have a young list and when you have a young list you can create and manufacture something you want at a football club," he said on Thursday.

"Manufacture the way they play and leave that stamp on the football club when and if you do leave.

"It's really exciting to get a young group to mould into what you want them to do."

Lade, 33, was part of Port's start in the AFL and also played alongside Hardwick in the club's 2004 premiership win.

He said he had been keen to pursue a coaching role after his playing career finished.

"I'll find out in the next three years how much I enjoy it and whether I want to take it further," he said.

Hardwick said Lade's appointment was an important one for the club given his experience, leadership and standing in the game.

Lade's football nous meant Port coach Mark Williams was keen to keep him at Alberton, until the Power's incumbent midfield/ruck coach Matthew Primus signed a new deal.

"I would've loved to have Ladey, but that was dependent on Matty not staying," Williams told the AFL website.

"We're thrilled Matty has decided to stay and it's worked out nicely for everyone.

"Ladey's an outstanding get for Richmond and I'm sure he'll be great support for Damien.

"He (Lade) will get some great experience and who knows, he might end up back here in the future."

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