Newman starts AFL coaching at Hawks

Former Richmond captain Chris Newman has had the ideal start to his AFL coaching career, joining Hawthorn in a development role.

Alastair Clarkson's dynasty at the Hawks has become famous not just for the four premierships, but also as a coaching nursery.

Brendon Bolton's appointment at Carlton makes it five Hawthorn assistants who have gone on to senior roles.

Adam Simpson took West Coast into this year's grand final loss to the Hawks, while Damien Hardwick (Richmond), Luke Beveridge (Western Bulldogs) and Leon Cameron (GWS) are the others.

Richmond and the Bulldogs also made this year's finals.

The Tigers' elimination-final loss to North Melbourne last month marked the end of Newman's playing career.

Newman, 33, captained Richmond for four seasons in a 14-year career that featured 268 senior games.

He said in a Hawthorn statement that the development coach role would be a huge challenge.

"Stepping into a new environment, a new club, meeting new people and tackling a different challenge is something I'm really looking forward to," Newman said.

"I've been exposed a little bit to coaching, so I feel like the development side is a really good fit for me here and I'm looking forward to working with the younger boys."

Bolton's move to Carlton meant the Hawks were on the lookout for someone to join their coaching group.

"Obviously, he was a highly skilled and experienced player and he has a genuine love and interest in coaching," Hawks football director Chris Fagan said of Newman.

"He's a humble person with great character and is someone who really fits the mould of our football club."

Damian Carroll, who stepped up in the finals series and looked after the forward line duties once Bolton left, has earned a promotion to an assistant coaching role.

Rob McCartney will replace Carroll as the head of Hawthorn's development academy.

Marco Bello remains the coach of Box Hill, the Hawks' VFL affiliates.