Trent Cotchin will step down from his role as captain for the 2022 season.

The Tigers veteran is the longest-serving captain of the Richmond Football Club, playing 188 of his 268 senior games as skipper.

Cotchin was appointed the role after the 2012 season, before leading the side to three premierships in 2017, 2019 and 2020.

The midfielder decision to step down from the captaincy duties has left some big shoes to be filled. So, who could captain the Tigers in 2022?

RELATED: 'Caro' names the ideal next Richmond FC skipperย 

We've named five options the Tigers are likely to consider.

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5. Jayden Short

Age: 25

Careers Games: 114

Jayden Short has set up an important role in the Richmond lineup by utilising his exceptional foot skills to rebound off the half-back line, notching up 24.6 disposals per game in 2021.

His recent form also propelled him into winning Richmond's best and fairest award in 2020. He is a player who is able to perform with or without the presence of other key names, opening up a left-field option for the captaincy.

Short is one of the more consistent players that are aged in their mid-20s and he would be able to take the reigns as captain for a more sustained period of time. Although his contract - at this stage - only ties him to the Tigers until the end of next season.

AFL Rd 15 - Richmond v Fremantle
GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 02: Jayden Short of the Tigers handballs during the round 15 AFL match between the Richmond Tigers and the Fremantle Dockers at Metricon Stadium on September 02, 2020 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Other potential candidates are current vice-captain Jack Riewoldt, Shane Edwards (who has captained the side as a caretaker before) or Kane Lambert, although they are also nearing the end of their careers. Noah Balta has also been described as a young player that has many leadership qualities.

Even though no decision has been made, Richmond CEO Brendon Gale is confident in the club's leadership program to be able to find a suitable captain for next year.

"As a club you are always planning for these eventualities across the business," he said in a club statement on Tuesday.

"Succession planning has been a key element of our football leadership program and the club will be well placed to make a decision on the next captain when that time comes."

 

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