Tigers coach lauds record-breaker Cotchin

Richmond captain Trent Cotchin has been hailed by coach Damien Hardwick after breaking the record for most AFL games as Tigers’ skipper.

The 30-year-old passed Percy Bentley by leading the Tigers for the 169th time in Friday’s 31-point semi-final win over St Kilda at Metricon Stadium.

Bentley was Richmond’s captain from 1932-1940 and like Cotchin, steered the Tigers to two premierships (1932 and 34).

Following Friday’s match, the Tigers delivered an in-house message to Cotchin honouring his achievement.

It was a message echoed by Hardwick in his post-match press conference.

“He’s been a warrior for us,” Hardwick said of the 2012 Brownlow Medallist.

“He’ll be an all-time great and just the way he’s led this club since he took over has been enormous really.

“His journey, our club’s journey, has been on the back of him.”

While he didn’t get on the scoreboard in the win over the Saints, Cotchin was combative throughout the midfield and picked up 19 disposals, nine of which were contested.

The veteran will now lead the Tigers for the 170th time in the club’s fourth straight preliminary final next Friday against Port Adelaide as he chases the dream of a third grand final triumph.

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