Knights enjoyed a brilliant playing career with Richmond. He was named in the Tigers team of the century, twice won the best & fairest, was named in the All Australian team in 1998 and finished runner up in the 1995 Brownlow medal.

Knights retired in 2002 after playing 279 games, 101 as club captain.

Knights had his first taste of coaching in 2004 at the helm of the Port Adelaide Magpies in the SANFL, helping the re-building process of the proud club.

Returning to Melbourne in 2005, Knights was appointed coach of Essendon’s VFL side the Bendigo Bombers. In 2008 Knights was appointed Senior Coach of the Essendon Bombers, taking them to the finals in 2009.

At the end of the 2010 season, Knights was released from his Essendon contract and following a break from football, was appointed coach of Geelong’s VFL side ahead of the 2012 season.

He took the Cats to a VFL premiership in his first season, and remains at Kardinia Park today as an Assistant Coach.