We continue our special post-season series presenting the thoughts of Richmond’s latest premiership heroes on that one day in September 2017. Today, the Tigers’ inspirational captain Trent Cotchin tells his tale . . .
The dawn of something special in 2017
“I reckon it was as early as six, seven, eight games into the season. I lay in bed talking to Brooke and said that there’s something special about this group . . . I don’t know what it is. We just went about our business, and enjoyed everything that came with it.”
The Grand Final lead-up
“The week leading up to the GF was pretty normal. I think the greatest thing we did, leading into the game, was that we were just relaxed. Training felt the same. It wasn’t really until the Grand Final parade that things felt a little bit different to a normal week.”
Huge self-belief within the group
“We were always confident in the way we played, the way we prepared . . . Confidence comes from evidence and all throughout the year we had this massive amount of evidence that stacked up . . . Going into half-time (of the Grand Final), I was really confident. I knew that if we were within reach of Adelaide we’d give ourselves a really good chance in the second half, knowing the way we’d finished our previous couple of finals.”
The final stages of the Grand Final
“Coming back on with seven minutes to go in the game, I kept trying to get the message out just to focus on little steps. But, deep down, I don’t think I was thinking that at all. I was just trying to soak it all up and enjoy it.”
Receiving the premiership cup
“It was pretty special. I mean, to go through a long part of my career with ‘Dimma’ (coach Damien Hardwick), and share in that moment, was something I’m really proud of, but super-grateful for as well. He’s been a great supporter of mine for my whole career and I think we’re closer than we’ve ever been.”
Premiership captaincy honour
“That’s the part I think took so long to sink in. I’m humbled because, me being a Richmond premiership captain, is on the back of not just the 21 other guys that took the field with me, but mountains of work of other players, staff, coaches, the administration. And, as a lot of the guys have mentioned, the important role your partners play. I get to carry that title (Richmond premiership captain) for the rest of my life, but it’s because of the work that goes on behind the scenes.”
The incredible Tiger journey
“What brings happiness is the journey. To sit down and have a beer with ‘Richo’ (Matthew Richardson), I lived with Kane Johnson, to speak via either text or on the phone with ‘Axel’ (Nathan Foley), and seeing ‘Newy’ (Chris Newman) after the game . . . guys that you’ve gone through so much pain, so much joy, so much hard work together with. Richo said to me, ‘I’m sick of people asking whether I’m jealous’. That shows the strength of character of Richo because there’d be some people that probably are. But we say to them, as much as they don’t get to carry the (premiership) medal around their necks, they instilled a lot of belief and confidence into our group.”
The Tiger Army
“Throughout my career I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy some of the loudest crowds – but none bigger than this finals series. To have 90,000-odd people screaming at you, it’s so incredible to be a part of. Again, I’m humbled and thankful that they got to experience it, as much as we did.”
Lessons learned from premiership season
“There’s none bigger than just taking off your armour and being imperfect, because we all are. And then embracing those imperfections and the vulnerability, connections, relationships. You think you’re connected, but the reality is I found a whole new level with all of the team.”
The next part of the journey
“I’m really excited to see just how far this group can go. The challenge will be to show up to the world, as we have done this year, full of our imperfections, our struggles, but also just knowing that we’re worthy of being here, and getting to work together.”
