Richmond captain, Trent Cotchin, has penned a five-year deal with the Punt Road club that will see him in yellow and black until the end of the 2020 AFL season.
The former number two draft pick, second behind Matthew Kreuzer in 2007, was already contracted until the end of 2015, and the additional five years secures his future at the club into his thirties.
Speaking on the signing, Richmond General Manager of Football, Dan Richardson, stated: “We are thrilled to have Trent commit to Richmond on such a long-term deal.
“Clearly his decision indicates that he is fully behind the direction the Club is heading, and he has a desire to lead the playing group as it continues to mature and improve.
“While we were extremely confident he would re-commit to the Club at the end of his current contract, it’s a great result that the extension has been finalised so swiftly.
“Trent has grown into an outstanding leader of the Club, while maintaining an extremely high level of on-field performance.”
Richmond finished eighth in 2014, sneaking into the finals off the back of a nine-game winning streak.
However they suffered an opening round exit from the finals following a disappointing performance against Port Adelaide.
After stringing two consecutive finals appearances together, securing Cotchin’s signature will provide further confidence that Richmond can achieve their first premiership since 1980 with Cotchin leading the way.
Cotchin averaged 26 disposals, 3 marks and 4 tackles throughout 23 games in 2014.
Richmond face traditional opening-round rivals, Carlton, at the MCG on April 2 to kick start the 2015 AFL season.
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