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Richmond midfield gun Trent Cotchin looms as the clear favourite to captain the AFL club next season, but outgoing skipper Chris Newman believes Brett Deledio will also push for the honour.
Newman, 30, will play on next year, but the 214-gamer announced before Sunday’s MCG draw with Port Adelaide that he would relinquish the captaincy.
While he has piloted the Tigers through tough times and is yet to play a final in his 11-year career, Newman predicted his successor would lead Richmond to long-awaited glory.
“I can walk away proud knowing that I’ve probably paved a bit of a way, we’ve come a long way with our culture at this club,” he told reporters.
“It’s time to let someone else lead the charge.
“I’m pretty confident we’ll play finals next year and then have a successful era.”
Cotchin was installed as vice-captain this season, in a seeming step towards the top job, but while Newman acknowledged the midfielder was a born leader, he said it was not a done deal.
“Any one of the boys in our leadership group could step into my shoes and lead the club forward,” Newman said.
“Cotchy’s certainly one of those.
“He leads naturally, no doubt.
“I think Brett Deledio’s another one that he’d be keen to take that position too.”
Richmond coach Damien Hardwick said Newman had driven improvement on and off-field and commanded enormous respect.
“He’ll be remembered for a long time for what he’s done at this football club,” the coach said.
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