Richmond coach Damien Hardwick understands Trent Cotchin has offered to pay a hefty fine after his wife breached the AFL’s COVID-19 protocols.

The Tigers were issued a $20,000 fine after the captain’s wife Brooke visited a day spa on the Gold Coast last week.

Hardwick admitted the Cotchins had been downcast since the AFL handed down the sanction on Friday, but says the couple has owned up to the mistake and will likely pay the fine themselves rather than the club pay it.

“As Trent and Brooke do they admitted they were at fault. It’s been tough on them,” Hardwick told reporters.

“Everyone’s up here trying to do the right thing but the reality is mistakes are going to be made.

“We’ve just got to understand that sometimes people are going to get things wrong, it’s not through any fault of their own, they just made an innocent mistake.”

Two-time premiership skipper Cotchin returned from three games out with a hamstring injury for the Tigers’ 41-point victory over the Western Bulldogs last week.

Cotchin is a definite starter for Tuesday night’s clash with Brisbane but Hardwick conceded the Tigers will be cautious with the veteran midfielder during a heavy schedule of games.

After battling the Lions, Richmond will fly to take on ladder-leaders Port Adelaide at the Adelaide Oval on Saturday.

Hardwick said the 30-year-old Cotchin will be “less likely” to play against the Power and could be rested.

In a boost for the Tigers as they continue to build momentum in their premiership defence, Nick Vlastuin has recovered from a calf injury and the dependable defender will play against Brisbane.