Cotchin to miss grand final rematch after injury in Dogs defeat

Dustin Martin is likely to return for Richmond’s’ AFL grand final rematch but Tigers captain Trent Cotchin will not lead his premiership teammates out.

The veteran midfielder suffered a hamstring injury late in Friday night’s 22-point comeback victory over the Western Bulldogs at the MCG.

Another soft-tissue injury for Cotchin soured a heroic fightback from the reigning premiers, who hit back from 25 points down midway through the second quarter without three-time Norm Smith medallist Martin.

But as they have done so many times in the last five years, Richmond stepped up in the second half to consign the Bulldogs to their first loss of the season.

Tigers coach Damien Hardwick confirmed Cotchin would miss “some weeks”.

(Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

“It’s just sad to see great players not playing so we’re going to miss him for a couple of weeks at least,” Hardwick said.

Arguably Richmond’s greatest ever player, Martin’s absence through concussion led to many writing off the Tigers’ prospects against the ladder-leading Bulldogs.

“It’s always great to have a win with a younger, not as experienced side,” Hardwick said.

“But I do enjoy the good players at my disposal.

“It gives us the opportunity to see players in different roles. Shai (Bolton) played a similar role tonight (to Martin) and I thought he was a difference-maker.

“He’s had a wonderful year, Shai, and he’s such a talented player and getting better and better as the years go on.

“We won the game but we found a few things about ourselves as well.”

Richmond will be back at the MCG on Friday to face Geelong for the first time since the Tigers won last October’s historic grand final at the Gabba by 31 points.

Martin has been in New Zealand visiting his father but is expected to pass his concussion protocols on return to the club and be declared right to take on the Cats.