Cotchin gives up captaincy

Three-time Richmond premiership captain Trent Cotchin is stepping down as the Tigers’ AFL skipper.

Richmond’s longest-serving captain will continue playing in next year, but under a new leader.

Cotchin was appointed as the Tigers’ permanent skipper at the end of 2012, aged 22, with 188 of his 268 games coming as captain.

The 31-year-old felt the time was right to quit the role after leading the club to flags in 2017, 2019 and 2020.

‘‘The club has built a really strong leadership culture over the past five years and we have some excellent leaders at Richmond that will f lourish in the captaincy role,’’ Cotchin said.

‘‘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.’’

Richmond’s new skipper could be veteran vice-captain Jack Riewoldt, although he is close to the end of his brilliant career.

Superstar Dustin Martin has been lauded for his leadership attributes by those at Punt Rd, but is notoriously media shy and would struggle with the off-field responsibilities of the role.

Richmond chief executive Brendon Gale thanked Cotchin for his contribution as leader of the club during a golden era.

‘‘Trent has been a magnificent captain of this club over a long period of time — we have been blessed to have someone of his character in the role,’’ Gale said.