AFL ROUND 2: COTCHIN’S MIGRAINE A HEADACHE FOR THE TIGERS

RICHMOND will closely monitor captain Trent Cotchin after he was taken to hospital on Sunday night with a migraine.

Cotchin, 27, complained of headaches on Sunday after training earlier in the day and was taken to Epworth Hospital for treatment.

The Tigers are expecting Cotchin to be fit to fly to Adelaide tomorrow and play his 200th career game against the Crows in Thursday night’s grand final replay.

But any more headaches before then would almost certainly rule him out of his milestone match at Adelaide Oval.

Richmond football manager Neil Balme said Cotchin was adamant the 2012 Brownlow Medallist was feeling well yesterday.

“He had a migraine last night, which he couldn’t get on top of, so he went to Epworth Hospital and he says he is absolutely fine now,” Balme said.

“He says he doesn’t have any problems and there is no doubt whatsoever [that he will be fine to play]. “The doctor is aware of it.” Cotchin was discharged from hospital early yesterday.

The Tigers will train at Punt Rd oval today where coaches and medicos will keep a close eye on the brilliant ballwinner.

Cotchin was excellent again in the Tigers’ seasonopening win over Carlton last Thursday night, gathering 24 possessions, seven clearances and four tackles.

The three-time best-andfairest winner attended the Grand Prix on Saturday as an ambassador and rested at home with his family yesterday.

In an added boost for Richmond, gun defender Bachar Houli is expected to be in the mix for Thursday night’s showcase after missing the Round 1 win with a calf problem.

Balme yesterday said Houli was hopeful of proving his fitness.

“He should be available,” Balme said.

Gun onballer Dion Prestia is in line to play VFL after an interrupted pre-season nursing a hamstring issue.