Richmond have opted for generational change at the top with gun midfielder Trent Cotchin appointed as the 40th captain of the AFL club.

Cotchin will still be a couple of weeks’ shy of his 23rd birthday when the Tigers face arch-rivals Carlton in the opening round next year.

The two-time best and fairest winner replaces the 31-year-old Chris Newman, who stepped down as Richmond captain at the end of the 2012 campaign.

Cotchin enjoyed his best season to date in 2012, finishing equal second in the Brownlow Medal count behind winner Jobe Watson, claiming a second successive club best and fairest award and earning All-Australian honours for the first time.

Cotchin was picked by Richmond with selection No.2 in the 2007 national draft.

He has played 86 games and kicked 55 goals for the Tigers.

Fellow midfield star Brett Deledio has been appointed as vice-captain.