If you looked at the raw statistical numbers alone, you could be forgiven for thinking that Richmond captain Trent Cotchin is struggling just a tad at the moment.

Cotchin had a modest 17 disposals against St Kilda at Etihad Stadium last night, with four clearances, two inside-50s, one rebound-50, two marks, four tackles, 163 metres gained, and he kicked a goal.

That followed an 18-disposal display the previous round against Greater Western Sydney.

In fact, seven times so far this season, Cotchin has recorded fewer than 20 disposals.

But that data is in no way indicative of the significant influence Cotchin is exerting throughout matches for the Tigers.

“I thought his pressure and his ability to be able to hunt the ball in and around the contests was outstanding,” Richmond coach Damien Hardwick declared in his press conference following the Tigers’ victory over the Saints.

“He probably didn’t get the possessions for it, but his teammates did.

“Some of his stuff in close, where he just throws his body on the line . . . you’ve only got to look at his body when he takes his jumper off, he’s got scratches all over him.

“The way he plays the game, he’s inspirational to his teammates, and that’s why we love him.”