Richmond skipper Trent Cotchin has recommitted to the club until 2022, after signing a new two-year contract that will begin after the conclusion of his current deal in 2020.
The new deal will see Cotchin reach the age of 32 in the yellow and black, all but ensuring he’ll retire at the club he debuted with.
General manager of football Neil Balme told the club’s website that Cotchin was “everything [they] could ask for as the captain of [the] football club.”
“His leadership and care for his teammates, as well as the courageous way he plays the game is just exceptional.
“He leads by example with his talent and toughness on-field, and his maturity and authenticity off-field. We’re lucky to have him leading our playing group,” he said.
The three-time club best-and-fairest winner began his career in 2008 after being selected with the second pick in the draft the previous season.
His selection in 2007 came as part of a very strong draft, with Matthew Kreuzer (No. 1), Chris Masten (3), Ben McEvoy (9), Patrick Dangerfield (10), Cyril Rioli (12), Robbie Tarrant (15), Harry Taylor (17), Alex Rance (18), Callan Ward (19) and Scott Selwood (22) all going in the first two rounds.
He broke into the senior team almost immediately, playing 15 matches in his debut year and featuring in 22 or more matches in all but one season since 2011.
Taking over from Chris Newman as skipper in 2013, the Tigers have missed the finals just once under his captaincy – although three straight elimination final defeats at one point had himself and the team under great scrutiny.
Both he and the club rebounded strongly from a horror 2016 campaign, winning the club’s first premiership for 37 years after their first top-four finish since 2001.
His greatest individual season came in 2012, where game averages of 28 disposals, five tackles, four marks and a goal – all career highs – saw him given All-Australian honours and retrospectively awarded the Brownlow Medal after it was stripped from Jobe Watson.
Realist
Guest
The problem with you "Snide" is that you constantly write antagonistic and sometimes abusive comments about Richmond and their supporters and then when you are challenged on this you get all upset and won't accept responsibility for your own words. I'll bring it your attention once again, you started this thread by abusing Richmond Supporters. REMEMBER? Take another look! Just about every comment you post displays your jealousy and preoccupation with Richmond. Try being a bit more balanced and respectful and you might get some respect in return!
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Sorry Realist/TTF but I'm not interested in engaging your inane banter which is juvenile and frankly pretty boring. As stated there are plenty of good Richmond fans both in and outside of The Roar, you just don't happen to be one of them. The article is about your captain Cotchin who is a fine player and a good re-signing for the Tigers, he will always be your well deserved 2017 premiership captain whatever happens from here, let's just leave it at that.
Realist
Guest
Poor "Snide", have you already forgotten that it was you who started a thread abusing Richmond supporters? Remember the one about you seeing imaginary little "Nuff Nuffs" everywhere! The Tigers have really got under your skin and as I said having a real effect on you mental health. I suggest you stick to black & white TV only, then watching Richmond will actually be therapeutic for you.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
My supporting evidence is right in this thread. Two prime grade pantomimeTiger Nuff Nuff clowns already commenting. As stated i have some mates who are decent Tiger fans and quite intelligent. Slane and Neil from Warrandyte make some great comments too in here too.
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
Got any stats to support those claims, Petie. Oh sorry, love. Temporarily forgot you can't read tables and don't understand basic statistical language. Must be the vibe. Hey, why don't you write an article about this issue?
Realist
Guest
Ah, there it is, Pete the "Snide" with his jealous, unhinged, Richmond bashing again. It really has become a mental health issue I fear. But let me set you straight, Collingwood has always had the highest percentage of "Nuff Nuffs in the Comp", always have, always will, everybody knows that. What you were trying to say is, the Tigers have the highest percentage of MEMBERS in the comp. There, fixed it for you. The Pies do have the lowest percentage of teeth per fan though!
User
Roar Rookie
Wce had pick 3 and where courting cotch, tigers got him we got masten. Wce would of taken cotch if tigers selected someone else, not that silly is it?
Realist
Guest
How was he "very nearly an eagle that draft"? Kreutzer and Cotchin were clearly the top 2 that draft with Carlton having Pick 1 (again) and Tigers Pick 2. Kreuzer was always going to Carlton and Cotchin always going to the Tigers!
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Don't subscribe to the sniper tag on Cotchin. Good player, seems a good bloke. There's quite a few good blokes at the Tigers, Dusty, Cotch, Jack....Dimma is a top fellow too, just a shame a new generation of Nuff Nuff Tiger fans have emerged with lovely new yellow and black scarves after being in hiding for 37 years. They do have some good fans but surely the highest percentage of Nuff Nuffs in the comp.
User
Roar Rookie
Expected but still good work Richmond. Was very nearly a eagle that draft but that happens. Great player deserved of the recognition.
Realist
Guest
Higgins...tick, Short....tick, Rance...tick, Reiwoldt....tick and Cotchin....tick! That's all the big names locked away with necessary paycuts! Stay tuned folks for the next big announcement! Tom Lynch....tick!
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
Awesome. Best skipper in the comp. I bet he's getting paid unders, too.