Richmond triple-premiership captain Trent Cotchin is set for a new role in 2023, as the Tigers look to surge back into premiership contention.
The 32-year old has been a mainstay in the Tigers’ midfield brigade since making his debut in 2008, but the arrival of boom recruits Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper from GWS has forced the club to think outside the box in the twilight of Cotchin’s career.
Cotchin has spent the majority of Richmond’s pre-season preparing for his new role, including as a permanent forward in the last three match simulation sessions, according to Seven journalist Mitch Cleary.
According to teammate and close friend Jack Riewoldt, the move has already sparked a new nickname – ‘Trent Coleman’, a reference to legendary AFL sharpshooter John Coleman.
“He’s been playing forward a little bit… for a player like him to add another string to his bow and play forward is important for us,” Riewoldt told Seven News.
“‘Trent Coleman’ has got a bit of a ring to it… a few of the boys were ribbing him about it, but he might have kicked three or four in a praccy game the other day.”
>> Does influx of stars mean a brutal call for Trent Cotchin at Tigerland?
Cotchin’s ferocious attack on the ball, leadership and experience is set to add another element to a dynamic Tiger forward line already featuring spearheads Riewoldt and Tom Lynch, plus Shai Bolton, Dustin Martin and a litany of other options.
The Tigers were the AFL’s highest-scoring side across the 2022 home-and-away season, averaging over 98 points a match.
However, the move has led to scepticism from some corners: with 16 majors across his last five seasons, Cotchin has never been a renowned goalkicker, which polarising media commentator and former great Kane Cornes was only too quick to point out on Twitter.
However, Riewoldt is confident Cotchin, who needs just 13 more matches to become the sixth Tiger to reach the 300-game milestone, can adapt to the challenge.
“Good footballers play good football in any position, and Trent’s a great of our club and a great footballer,” he said.
Hopper and Taranto’s arrival in last year’s trade period has established the Tigers as one of the favourites for the 2022 premiership, with the pair expected to address the club’s long-term stoppage vulnerability.
Dusty does Danger
Roar Rookie
I see Pies swooped on Markov. Dusty comes in as 3rd tall at 1.87 but McGovern string in the air might be a bit slow on him. Like Dusty, Cumberland is strong for his size and moves ok. I only see a 3rd tall coming in if Miller plays and switches with Nank through the forward line. Can’t wait until the first bounce :stoked:
Bangkokpussey
Roar Rookie
I dont believe "a good footballer is great in any position". There are some great stories of players who were average or not very successful in one position and became very good when moved to another. Some players can do it while many others become just average players. If that statement was true, players like Mark Blicalvs who truly plays well in many positions would not be so highly valued.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
He won't catch anyone to tackle them. Saad, WalkerClark, Hunt...? That started this thread.
Macca
Roar Rookie
An aging midfielder never renowned for his pace or goal scoring playing an unfamiliar erole would eat an AA defender alive - OK!
Macca
Roar Rookie
Will be interesting to see the BLues back 6 now Williams is out for the year. If the Tigers do loine up relatively small like that it does present an interesting challenge for the BLues who without Williams (and Boyd) would likely play a little taller down back. Weitering and Young will bovisouly take Lynch and Riewoldt - McGovern will play the thrid tall and Saad the rebounding defender and I expect Newman to get the small forward lock down role. I expect Docherty will stay in the mid field (especially with Walsh out) so the 6th spot is a bit up for Grabs - I would like to see Kemp get the spot - he hias a big body, good over head and very fast for his size but it could go to Marchbank or if the Blues wanted to go smaller but take a bit of a risk they could go for draftee Cowan. There is also a strong rumour the Blues are going to take Markov in the next week to replace Williams so he could take the spot. It would be an interesting matchup and the success or failure of each teams line up would depend on ho much pressure the BLues can apply up the field, slow the transition and the BLues taller defence would likely dominate the air taking intercept marks - the TIgers get spped on the Ball and they could tear the BLues apart with their leg speed.
David C
Roar Rookie
Well let me think??? How about Cotchin, he's a good tackler. Triple premiership captain I might add.
David C
Roar Rookie
Cotchin would eat those two alive.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
You’re the one having a conversation with yourself. 2013 has nothing to do with anything in any post here…and you are so desperate for everyone to love Puopolo. That’s weird. No idea what is meant by a 500 club and have no interest. It’s nothing I’m thinking about.
Mr Right
Roar Rookie
I don't need to dispute my own facts. Name 6 forwards in the same team that can match that. I thought you were a diehard Dockers man Don? Can you count the 500 club on one hand or one finger? Just don't lift it & point it at me.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
I've already mentioned one. So many. Find them yourself, it's not interesting enough, but that lot's not close.
Mr Right
Roar Rookie
In a 130 years of VFL / AFL history, only about 60 players have scored 500+ career goals. That Hawks side of 2013 is going to contain 4 of them which includes the first player to score over 1000 goals in 25 years. Add in 3 time All Australian Cyril Rioli 275 goals, Paul Puopolo who was a high pressure forward "very important wouldn't you agree" who kicked 185 goals. I know you are not keen on stats Don, but find me a another forward line that comes close to that. BTW, since graduating to the AFL, how many forwards have played in your colours that have kicked 500+ career goals?
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
That was not close to the greatest forward line of all time. That same club had a better forward line with Brereton, Dunstall and co. That 2013 line was in fact unremarkable. Puopolo!! Good grief. Gunston and Breust? You jest.
Mr Right
Roar Rookie
Put your reading glasses back on Don. "The greatest Forward line-up" of all time. Not the greatest small forward of all time. There is no problem in looking back at great teams to see what made them so successful. Pressure forwards are important & I would be very surprised if the Tigers coaching team are not working on it in 2023.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Mind you, you do have a good Freo boy that you'll love, Steely Green.
Clear as mud
Guest
in terms of the midfield, it feels like we re expecting Prestia to be in peak 2018 form. he impacts contests and bounces at the right speed and angle. but it's 2023 and he's soft tissue cactus. i fear. i do think we plod. i'm ok with that in terms of players, we have a hard and great 9 years or so. the failure to plan around that, and the desire to bring in multiple Caddy types for top picks - mmmmm... at best i still think this is a plateau year and they must surely have a young quick clearance kid they want to work with the former Giants to target supremacy in 2-3 years time, probably with a less broken ruck by then, too?
Clear as mud
Guest
great song, tho
Clear as mud
Guest
i think it was litany as in repetition of a prayer - please Dog, let Lynch stay fit, please oh Dog....
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
You're going back to 2013 to find something? Puopolo the greatest of all time? There are 30/40 small forwards in the AFL this season that are better than him. That's fine. If you think no pressure from your forwards will work, I'd love you to convince Dimmer. I do think the Richmond forward line is one of the reasons they'll finish bottom 4. Their backs and their mids are other factors for the plunge.
Mr Right
Roar Rookie
The greatest Forward lineup all all-time that played in 2013 GF weren't all pressure forwards. Rioli & Puopolo yes. I never said I was happy with none, I said it's about getting the balance right. HF: Rioli Roughead Breust FF: Puopolo Franklin Gunston
Boo
Guest
Tigers forward line too old. too slow .Go Cats