AFL legend Leigh Matthews is confident Richmond’s new captain Trent Cotchin is the man to lead the Tigers back into football’s “promised land”.

The four-time league premiership coach, three-time premiership player, and now respected football commentator, believes Cotchin is ideally suited to the key leadership role at Tigerland.

“I think Richmond is on the way because Trent Cotchin will really thrive as captain,” Matthews said on Channel Seven.

“He’s a 22 year-old, who is the next generation great midfielder.

“He was a bit sloppy with a lot of his disposal, I thought, on Thursday night.  But every time I watch him play, I’m just so impressed with the way he goes about it.

“So, I think he, as one individual, is going to drive a better performance from the Tigers in the future, than what they’ve had recently.”