Richmond milestone man Trent Cotchin is not able to name time on his illustrious AFL profession, insisting he nonetheless has a burning want to compete on the high stage.
The 33-year-old, who initially thought final season can be his swansong, will play his three hundredth recreation when the Tigers tackle St Kilda on Saturday night time.
In doing so, Cotchin will be part of Kevin Bartlett, Jack Riewoldt, Jack Dyer, Shane Edwards and Francis Bourke as the one Richmond gamers to succeed in the mark.
“I’m not putting a ceiling on anything,” Cotchin advised reporters on Thursday.
“Jack (Riewoldt) and I have had plenty of conversations this year where it’s just about smelling the roses and enjoying each moment.
“We’ve shared moments the place we simply take a look at one another and we all know that is a time to absorb and rejoice and be current.
“You can get caught up in all the hoo-haa around what’s next but I’m really just trying to celebrate what is right now.”
Triple-premiership stars Cotchin and Riewoldt signed one-year contracts for 2023, whereas their flag-winning teammate Edwards known as time on the finish of final season.
When asserting his new deal final September, Cotchin stated “the plan probably was not initially to go again”.
The former captain and 2012 Brownlow medallist has contemplated life after soccer, keen to place his spouse and younger household first, whereas declaring teaching will not be one among his strengths.
Cotchin admitted it will likely be onerous to let go when he does finally name time however stated a second throughout Thursday’s coaching session – when he fought over a unfastened ball with 20-year-old teammate Tyler Sonsie – proved he nonetheless has the will for the competition.
“What makes successful players successful is their inner willingness to compete … when you lose that you know that it’s time to let the next person have their time,” Cotchin stated.
Cotchin stated he had blended feelings reaching the milestone with out triple-premiership coach Damien Hardwick, who led the Tigers for greater than 13 seasons earlier than stepping away from the sport final month.
“To go through so much of my journey with such a special person at the helm of our footy club and him not being here (now) is bittersweet,” Cotchin stated.
“But just being in contact with him earlier in the week, I realised it was the right time for him and I’m sure we’ll share a moment at some stage over the next few days.
“He’s had a huge effect not simply on my life however my household’s life, and all of our gamers’ lives on the footy membership.”
Cotchin spent time in attack earlier this season but said he has relished his return to the midfield over the last two weeks under caretaker coach Andrew McQualter.
The Tigers (5-1-7) posted wins over GWS and Fremantle in that time and can give their finals hopes another boost with victory over fifth-placed St Kilda.
Cotchin was captain of Richmond’s 2017, 2019 and 2020 premiership teams, having made his debut in 2008.
He is credited as being one among a number of key pillars who turned across the beforehand struggling membership’s fortunes – together with chief government Brendon Gale, former president Peggy O’Neal and Hardwick – on the finish of 2016.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
