Trent Cotchin has denied dwelling or even thinking about Richmond's damning preliminary final loss against Collingwood as the Tigers officially return for the start of their preseason campaign, as reported by the Herald Sun.
The loss was heartbreaking for the Tigers, who entered the match hot favourites and were considered likely to become back-to-back premiers after a home-and-away season in which they loomed as undefeatable juggernauts on the MCG.
“Until just then I hadn’t really thought about it,’’ Cotchin said when prompted about the devastating loss.
“I think it’s the power of acceptance. It was what it was and there’s not much I can do about it now.
“We didn’t play really well on that night and Collingwood played exceptionally well, obviously didn’t get the bickies in the big one.
“But we’re just really excited about the way that we prepared and played for the majority of last year was an improvement on the year prior. We didn’t quite get the reward that we wanted to and we’ll be striving to go again throughout this pre-season along with some fresh faces.’’
Cotchin said he did not plan on watching the Grand Final after the Tigers' departure, but couldn't resist watching the game while out with his family.
“I wasn’t going to watch it, but the reality was the way it panned out wasn’t exactly how we had planned or prepared for, the better team won on the night and went on to play in the Grand Final and it was a fantastic Grand Final and a great spectacle for the game.’’
As the Tigers gear up for a big 2019, Cotchin also said he was excited to welcome Tom Lynch and other new faces to Tigerland but wasn't willing to consider the changes the star forward might bring to the club and their game.
“I wouldn’t say it’s the end (of the way team played), that’s probably something you have to speak to Dimma (coach Damien Hardwick) about more so than me,’’ Cotchin said.
“We’re just excited about Lynchy, just like Mav Weller, contributing exactly what we expect of them and that’s to play their role as we’ve spoken about over the past few years. We’re just excited about what other strengths they bring to our formula.
“But I’m really excited to see what he brings, but also the way our group that are structured around him down there can help his game as well.’’