A will to free himself, the Club, and Richmond supporters of potential distractions in 2015, was a key consideration in skipper Trent Cotchin’s decision to extend his contract by a further five years.

Today, the Club announced Cotchin’s commitment to the Club until at least the end of the 2020 season.

“It was really important for me not to make the contract negotiations drag out throughout the year and be a distraction to our playing group,” Cotchin told Roar Vision.

“Even further to that, our supporters.  People can get on the edge of their seats with not knowing exactly what’s going to happen in the future.

“I just wanted to get it out of the way, with as little fanfare as possible, and getting back to doing exactly what I know needs to be done.”

WATCH: The best Trent Cotchin highlights from the 2014 season

Cotchin said it was always going to be a matter of when, not if, he re-signed with the Tigers.

“It was always going to happen.  It was just a matter of timing, and knowing and seeing the direction our young playing group is going,” he said.

“I’m just excited to continue what we’ve been doing over the past couple of years, and really striving for that success.”

Renew or join as a Richmond member for the 2015 season

Cotchin is also hoping his commitment to the Club will be play a part in his team-mates’ decisions to stay at Tigerland.

“I would hope my commitment does help to encourage some of our younger players that are coming out of contract,” he said.

“The reality is, they need to be comfortable in their own shoes.  We would hope we’re creating an environment where everyone’s happy, and feel that they’re getting the best out of themselves.

“If we’re doing that to the best of our ability, they have no reason to be looking elsewhere.”