Tigers skipper relinquishes captaincy duties

BREAKING | Richmond will appoint a new captain for the first time in nine years.

EDITOR | September 14, 2021 - 8:12pm

Richmond have announced that Trent Cotchin will step down from his duties as the Tigers' skipper for next season.

The 31-year-old has been captain at Punt Road since 2012, leading the Tigers to three premierships.

The longest-serving Tigers captain in the club's history, Cotchin will remove the proverbial armband following a decorated stint as Richmond's fierce leader.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 30: Trent Cotchin of the Tigers comes off the field with the premiership cup during the 2017 Toyota AFL Grand Final match between the Adelaide Crows and the Richmond Tigers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 30, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)

Speaking on the decision, Cotchin stated his gratitude to be able to lead the Tigers and noted how exciting the near future is for the club.

“It has been an incredible privilege to captain this Club but it feels the right time to step down from that role," Cotchin said.

"The Club has built a really strong leadership culture over the past five years and we have some excellent leaders at Richmond that will flourish in the captaincy role.

"It’s an awesome opportunity to continue our philosophy of pushing leadership deep through the organisation, and for me to continue to play a role both on-field and off-field."

Cotchin has played 268 games in the yellow and black since making his debut in the 2008 season.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 24: Dion Prestia (left) and Trent Cotchin of the Tigers celebrate during the 2017 AFL round 05 match between the Richmond Tigers and the Melbourne Demons at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on April 24, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)

Tigers coach Damien Hardwick commended the veteran midfielder for his service.

“Trent will remain an incredibly important leader for this team in 2022, regardless of his title," Hardwick said.

“He prides himself on the development of our emerging leaders and he will undoubtedly remain committed to that and moving us back up the ladder next season.”