Trent Cotchin retires after a stellar career for Richmond – as his next big career move is revealed
- Tigers legend played 305 games for the club
- Won three premierships after being drafted in 2007
- Already has a job after football
Three-time Richmond premiership captain Trent Cotchin has confirmed the end of his decorated AFL career, saying he had found his ‘life purpose’ with the Tigers.
The 33-year-old will finish at the end of the season, almost certainly in Richmond’s 24th round against Port Adelaide.
After being drafted with pick two in the 2007 draft, Cotchin has made 305 appearances for Richmond – the fourth most in the club’s proud history.
“I found my life purpose in Richmond,” Cotchin said Thursday.
“I look to the future with nothing but excitement, adventure and opportunity, because of what I found here in Richmond and what the people of Richmond have taught me.
Cotchin (pictured center with Dustin Martin, left, and ex-Tigers coach Damien Hardwick, right) will bow as one of the greatest players in Richmond’s long history
“When I discovered that creating an environment to help others realize and fulfill their potential not only inspired me, it helped me overcome my own fears.
“I’ve always tried my best and left no stone unturned, in my father’s words – I’ve strived to make every post a winner.”
He hopes to do the same in his first big post-footy job when he moves to the small screen for Channel Seven.
Cotchin will star alongside fellow football great Joel Selwood in the network’s new AFL show, which will be hosted by James Brayshaw, according to the Announce sunwho reports that the show will have similarities with the Talking Footy program.
The Tigers legend became captain of Richmond ahead of the 2013 season, aged just 22.
He would lead the Tigers to their first premiership in 37 years, the 2017 grand final victory over Adelaide.
Cotchin would self-certify as a Richmond immortal as he led the Tigers to more flags in 2019 and 2020.
The 33-year-old (pictured playing against Hawthorn last month) said he had found his life purpose with the Tigers
Cotchin (pictured with his wife Brooke and their children) led the Tigers to their first premiership in 37 years when they broke their flag drought against Adelaide in 2017
He handed over the captain’s armband to Dylan Grimes and Toby Nankervis ahead of the 2022 season.
“Of course Trent has accomplished so much as a player, but it’s the strength and impact of his leadership that has impressed me the most,” said Richmond director Brendon Gale.
Cotchin was awarded the 2012 Brownlow Medal along with Sam Mitchell after original winner Jobe Watson gave up the honor in 2016 due to Essendon’s supplement saga.
The stylish midfielder may not be the only Richmond great to bow before the end of the season, with fellow veteran Jack Riewoldt’s career in doubt.