Richmond players have given a resounding endorsement to Jade Rawlings as the Tigers embark on the search for a new coach.

Rawlings took over as caretaker after Terry Wallace and the club parted ways midway through the year and has seen his stocks rise after leading the side to two wins and a draw in the last six rounds.

He has made it clear he wants the senior position and on Tuesday received backing from young defenders Luke McGuane and Will Thursfield, who both play their 50th games against Melbourne on Sunday.

The pair agreed their teammates would unanimously support the 31-year-old Rawlings in his bid for the top job.

"Jade's straight down the line, he's really good," McGuane said.

"He'll tell you exactly what he thinks, he won't beat about the bush, which I find, personally for myself, is a really good coaching tool.

"That's what I need and a lot of the other boys are pretty similar. He has the respect of the group because he's like that."

McGuane said it was like starting over again halfway through the season when Rawlings took over.

"We thought let's make the second half (of the season) something to build on going into next year."

Thursfield played under Rawlings when he was coaching Coburg before he returned to the senior side and found he was guiding him again following Wallace's departure.

"Jade's good the way he goes about it, he just does the same thing," Thursfield said.

"He's pretty consistent with what he does - it's been good.

"We all look up to Jade and you know where you stand with him so that's very good in that regard.

"And he's come in with a clear game plan and made it pretty easy to understand.

"We definitely like playing for him."

The pair also endorsed Ben Cousins, who continued his impressive season in last weekend's win over Essendon and is certain to be offered a contract extension, regardless of who coaches the tigers next year.

"He's been fantastic and the younger boys, especially the young midfielders, learn a lot off him," McGuane said.

"To have him around with younger kids like (Trent) Cotchin and (Brett) Deledio coming up, it's a great tool for them to learn off."

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