For many years, Trent Cotchin has inspired the Richmond side with his courageous deeds.

As the longest-serving captain in Tigerland’s history, he constantly set the tone for the team by using his body as a battering ram.

Although Cotchin is no longer the skipper, he’s still continually putting his body on the line for the Tigers in his midfield role.

In last Friday night’s clash with Sydney at the SCG, the 32-year-old veteran of 278 AFL games, produced an act of bravery that totally symbolised his fearlessness on the football field.

During the third quarter of the contest, Cotchin dropped into the leading lane of the Swans’ superstar spearhead Lance Franklin, and consequently bore the full brunt of his powerful 106kg frame in a bone-crunching collision.

But with no fuss whatsoever, Cotchin merely picked himself up and continued playing.

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick paid a glowing tribute to Cotchin during his post-match press conference.

“It was an unbelievable act, and it probably sums him up really. He was always going to go,” Hardwick said.

“People can look at kicks, marks and handballs, but you look at things like that, it’s what makes him the great player he is . . .

“It was a very solid hit. He did want to finish the game and contribute as well.”

Cotchin again was one of the Tigers’ best in last Friday night match, with a team-high 26 disposals, team-high 13 contested possessions, an equal team-high six clearances, four inside-50s, four tackles, two goal assists and seven score involvements.