New Richmond captain Trent Cotchin has lauded the consistently high output of fellow midfield star Brett Deledio.

In the wake of Deledio’s superb, 27-possession, three-goal performance against the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium last Sunday, Cotchin poured praise on the No. 1 pick in the 2004 AFL National Draft, who turns 26 tomorrow (Thursday, April 18).

“He’s won two Best and Fairests and I think he’s been runner-up three or four years as well.  I don’t think he’s ever finished outside of the top five,” Cotchin said on 3AW.

“He had two years down back where he was a very consistent player.

“We obviously didn’t get to see a lot of his excitement because he wasn’t running through the midfield.

“But the consistent level he played at last year, he’s taken into this year, kicking six or seven goals already, and that’s from a midfielder.

“He’s a very talented guy, hence why he went No. 1, but I think the exciting thing for us is he’s bringing things to his game that we haven’t really seen . . .”

Deledio, who has played 175 league games and kicked 122 goals, is currently ranked equal No. 2 in the competition for inside-50 entries, after racking up nine against the Bulldogs in Round 3.