The former North Melbourne player was originally signed on as the Cobras’ playing coach for one year, although the club had always wanted to secure his services for a longer period.

Now, they have managed to lock him away for at least another two years, in what president Pat Mullen has labelled a massive move for the club.

“It’s very good for us, with any coach it takes a little while for everything to come together and we are starting to see that now,” Mullen said.

“He’s very popular with the players and with the way he approaches everything to do with footy.”

Richardson inherited an extremely young playing list when he came on board in October last year, also bringing across some much needed experienced players from the VFL.

Bacchus Marsh finished just one spot out of the finals last year, but in reality, never threatened to reach finals.

They were two games and percentage out of the six in 2013, but this year are mounting a genuine finals charge.

The Cobras currently sit in sixth position and have a guaranteed four premiership points this weekend, facing the bye.

They face East Point, Melton and North Ballarat City in their remaining three games, with two wins out of those fixtures possibly enough to secure a finals berth.

Bacchus Marsh has not made finals for 13 years and Mullen believes with its senior coach already locked away, that hoodoo will soon be broken.

“The intensity and the way he plays, he’s about playing at 100 per cent capacity all the time and Cam has taught our boys that,” Mullen said.

“Our first goal is to make finals, that hasn’t happened in the ‘Marsh for a long time.”

Mullen said the club would now turn its attention towards signing as many players as possible for next year.

patrick.nolan@fairfaxmedia.com.au