The appointment finalises the Tigers' new-look football department which now also features ex-Geelong assistant Blake Caracella, sacked Lions coach Justin Leppitsch and former Geelong and Collingwood football manager Neil Balme.

Clarke's former St Kilda teammate Andrew McQualter will move from development to midfield stoppage coach at Richmond.

Brendon Lade, Mark M. Williams and Mark P. Williams were all relieved of their duties on the Richmond coaching staff following a review of the football department.

Clarke has spent the last four seasons coaching the NT Thunder in the NEAFL and guided them to the 2015 premiership.

Before that, he worked at the AFL Players' Association in indigenous engagement, and with the AFL as the national indigenous programs coordinator, managing indigenous talent pathway programs such as Kickstart and Dreamtime at the 'G.

Clarke is also an AFL level three accredited coach and sits on the AFL Indigenous Advisory Group and AFL Women's Football Advisory Group.

"Xavier has a broad and diverse experience, in both coaching and football programming, and we're really excited with what he'll bring to our football club," Balme said.

"His experience with the AFL's indigenous pathway programs, and the responsibility of coaching his own team with NT Thunder, has provided him opportunities to develop and lead emerging footballers, and we're looking forward to him bringing those skills and experience to Richmond.

"In addition to that, his knowledge and expertise in Indigenous engagement will support the extensive programming that our club and the Korin Gamadji Institute already deliver, including the Richmond Academy - our Next Generation Academy Program."

Clarke, who was selected at pick No.5 in the 2001 draft by St Kilda, played 106 AFL games in 10 seasons with the Saints and Lions.