Brett Deledio totally nailed it with his prediction when Trent Cotchin was appointed Richmond’s captain in November 2012.
Deledio, who was named the Tigers’ vice-captain at the same time, expressed his confidence Cotchin would provide the type of inspirational leadership that would enable the Club to end the longest premiership drought in its history.
“I texted him last night and said: ‘Look mate, if you're going to be captain, I’ll back you the whole way and I believe you’ll be the one to lead us to our next flag’. I said that to him and I'll say it here today,” Deledio said.
“I back Trent to the hilt with what he can do for this club.”
Cotchin, who replaced Chris Newman as Richmond captain, became the youngest captain at Tigerland for more than 100 years.
He was 22 years and 355 days old when he ran out as skipper against Carlton in the opening round of the 2013 season.
In what was to be Cotchin’s final game (188 all-up) as the Tigers’ captain, against Greater Western Sydney at Marvel Stadium, Round 22, 2021, he was 31 years and 128 days of age.
Those nine seasons as Richmond’s on-field leader had seen Cotchin proudly hold aloft three premiership cups alongside coach Damien Hardwick.
From the youngest in a century to the longest, most successful captain in Tigerland’s rich history . . . it’s been quite the journey for Trent Cotchin.
