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Richmond have locked down their big four AFL premiership stars, with skipper Trent Cotchin committing his long-term future to the club.
The 28-year-old will likely play out his career at Punt Road after signing a contract extension until the end of the 2022 season on Wednesday.
Cotchin’s previous deal tied him to the club until the end of the 2020 season, with his further commitment the latest signing designed to position the Tigers for a period of sustained success.
The premiership captain joins Dustin Martin, who signed a seven-year deal until the end of the 2024 season, Alex Rance, who extended until the end of 2021, and Jack Riewoldt, who also signed on until the end of 2021, to pledge their futures to the club.
“Trent is everything we could ask for as the captain of our football club,” football chief Neil Balme said.
“His leadership and care for his teammates, as well as the courageous way he plays the game is just exceptional.”
Young stars Jack Higgins and Jayden Short have also signed new deals this year.
Cotchin’s signing is a boost for the Tigers on the eve of the AFL finals.
As their premiership defence enters a critical phase, Richmond will take a cautious approach with star onballer Dion Prestia, who has another hamstring problem.
Prestia returned to the AFL last weekend from a game out because of a rib injury, but the Tigers said he pulled up from the win over Gold Coast with hamstring soreness.
The premiership midfielder missed the first three rounds because of a hamstring injury and has managed only 10 senior games this season.
“We’re not quite sure if it will even keep him out for this week (against Essendon). We’ll see how we go,” Balme said.
“But we’re pretty conservative with him, he’s had a few soft tissue (injuries).
“He’s going pretty well, he’s running alright, but we’re just a bit concerned … given the finals are coming.”
Fellow Tigers onballer Kane Lambert and forward Dan Butler are recovering from ankle operations.
Veteran Reece Conca suffered a setback in his comeback from a dislocated ankle.
Conca suffered an ankle sprain in the VFL, but is expected to only miss one week.
Sam Lloyd is the obvious replacement if Prestia is unavailable, while ruckman Toby Nankervis is also expected to return on Friday night after a week off.
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