Richmond triple premiership captain and Brownlow medallist Trent Cotchin will finish his AFL career at the end of season.
The 33-year-old inspirational midfielder informed his teammates on Thursday morning of his decision to hang up the boots after 16-years. He presently sits on 305 career games.
Trent Cotchin will retire at the end of the 2023 season.Credit: Getty Images
He said he would miss all the relationships, memories and experiences he had forged during his career, which started in 2008.
“I accept reality and that my chapter has come to an end. My body is somewhat slowing down and is older than it once was,” said Cotchin.
“I found my life purpose at Richmond. I look to the future with nothing but excitement, adventure, and opportunity, because of what I found here at Richmond and what Richmond people taught me.
“Finding out that creating an environment to help other realise and fulfil their potential not only inspired me but helped me to overcome my own fears.
“I found the move from ‘I’ to ‘we’ and that to be interested not interesting was so much more fun. I learned the power to dream big at Richmond, to say why not me. Why not us? And why not now.
“I have always given my best and left no stone unturned, in my dads words. I have strived to make every post a winner.”
Cotchin holds a club record as 188 games as captain and is a three-time Jack Dyer Medal winner. He is the only Tigers captain to lead a side to three premierships, and was also at the helm for seven finals campaigns.
Richmond CEO Brendon Gale said Cotchin had contributed to the history of the club and the game and that his leadership stood up in big moments, including the club’s recent three premierships.
“Obviously, Trent has achieved so much as a player. However, it is the power and impact of his leadership that has impressed me the most,” Gale said.
“After being appointed captain in 2012 at 22 years, Trent in his own way and through his own experience redefined leadership at our club. His renewed focus on self-understanding, self-acceptance, care, and connection was instrumental in unlocking the full potential of our players and team.”
“Amongst all the madness and mayhem, in the heat of battle, with the stakes at their highest, Trent so often recognised the moments that mattered and remained completely connected with his performance.
“Through the power of his leadership he so often tipped the scales our way, and we will thank him for that forever.”
Cotchin will front a press conference at Punt Road abut noon Thursday.
More to come
