Richmond's triple-premiership captain Trent Cotchin will bow out of the AFL as a "transformative" and "towering" figure in the proud history of the Tigers.

The 33-year-old has announced his retirement at season's end, likely to be Richmond's round 24 game against Port Adelaide as the club looks set to miss the finals.

Cotchin is battling calf soreness and will sit out Sunday's clash with St Kilda, but is hoping to be available for the Tigers' final two games against North Melbourne and the Power.

After being drafted with pick No.2 in 2007, Cotchin has found his "life purpose" in playing 305 games for Richmond – the fourth-most appearances in club history.

The entire Tigers list, and most club staff, were present as Cotchin was joined by wife Brooke and their three children at Punt Road Oval on Thursday to confirm his retirement.

"The premierships were really special times, but I don't think we actually get there without the really challenging times, as hard as they were at the time," Cotchin said.

"They're effectively what have taught us the lessons that allowed us to take big steps."

Cotchin became Richmond captain ahead of the 2013 season, aged just 22.

He would go on to lead the Tigers to their first premiership in 37 years, the 2017 Grand Final victory over Adelaide, just a year after the club's disastrous 2016 campaign when coach Damien Hardwick faced extreme pressure to keep his job.

After almost a decade in the role, Cotchin handed over the captaincy to Dylan Grimes and Toby Nankervis ahead of the 2022 season.

Cotchin added he believes the Tigers are "thriving" under interim coach Andrew McQualter's leadership.

McQualter has led the Tigers in 10 games, for six wins, since three-time premiership coach Hardwick resigned in May after almost 14 seasons in charge.

"I think you need to have an understanding of each individual that's within your organisation and how you can best motivate them and get them to work well for the team," Cotchin said on Thursday.

"And we're very fortunate that 'Mini' (McQualter) has that in spades.

"I think the way that he's guided and led the team since 'Dimma' (Hardwick) departed has been really special and something that I'm really grateful for.

"I know that the boys are thriving under his leadership."

"Trent has been a towering figure in the history of our club and his achievements and accolades are many, and they're there for everyone to see," Richmond chief executive Brendon Gale said on Thursday.

"What's a little harder to see and ascertain is the strength and impact of his leadership, on and off the field.

"He's transformed the way we develop leadership at this club."