Trent Cotchin lifts the lid on 'unbelievable' grand final act for Richmond teammates
The former captain played 306 games and won three premierships with the Tigers.
Richmond champion Trent Cotchin has opened up on the touching personal gesture he produced for his Tigers teammates ahead of every AFL grand final he played in. Cotchin, who recently retired from the AFL after 306 games for Richmond, won three premierships for his beloved club.
The former captain led his side to the flag in 2017, 2019 and 2020 as Richmond became the powerhouse of the AFL. Cotchin has featured on Channel 7 program 'Talking Finals' recently, and this week lifted the lid on his special gesture for teammates ahead of all three grand finals.
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“Leading into every grand final that I played in, I loved to send individual video messages to each player and staff that were part of the footy club,” he said, before playing an example he sent to Toby Nankervis. “Nank, the big country boy, the man that just wants to be known as the country lad that loves his family and friends. And always makes it really clear to them,” the video message said.
“Well, I have a message for you, mate. I love you and I walk so much taller running out alongside you. You’re an incredible competitor like no one I have ever seen before.
“You thrive on taking something away from the opposition - that’s an amazing attribute to have. I know you will leave no stone unturned and you are diligent in the process. I can’t wait to get out there tomorrow night.”
Co-host Tim Watson said of the gesture: “That’s unbelievable. I can’t believe you did that for every player and every staff member."
When asked how long it took him to do a video for everyone at Richmond, Cotchin said: “Probably a bit over an hour, but I think for me, my captaincy shift was just investing time in people. That was just my little way of saying thank you for the year and getting on with the job.”
Adem Yze announced as Damien Hardwick's successor
The Tigers are going through a transition period after their overwhelming success in the latter part of last decade, with veteran players like Cotching and Jack Reiwoldt retiring, and premiership coach Damien Hardwick leaving to join the Gold Coast Suns. On Thursday the club announced that experienced Melbourne assistant Adem Yze would be head coach from next year.
Yze has been an assistant coach in the AFL for more than a decade, first working under Alastair Clarkson at Hawthorn back in 2012. Richmond confirmed the news on Yze's 46th birthday on Thursday night.
"We have no doubt that Adem is the right man to lead us into the future," Richmond president John O'Rourke said. "Adem brings an enormous breadth of experience to the club.
"He has a deep understanding of the game and what drives on-field success from a strategic and cultural perspective. Adem has great energy and is highly competitive, and during the appointment process, it became increasingly obvious that he was a great fit for our club. He was the ideal candidate, and we have no doubt our playing group will thrive under his coaching."
Yze, who played 271 games for Melbourne, moved to the Demons in 2021 after six years at the Hawks. He played a crucial role in helping head coach Simon Goodwin lead the Demons to their first premiership in 57 years in 2021. Yze had previously interviewed for the top job at Adelaide, GWS and Essendon, missing out twice last year as the Giants went with Adam Kingston and the Bombers brought in Brad Scott.
with AAP
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