In a special post-season series on richmondfc.com.au, Tony Greenberg examines the 12 things we learnt in 2012 from a Richmond perspective.  He kicks off with . . .     

No. 1:     Trent Cotchin is something special

From the moment a then 17-year-old Trent Cotchin arrived at Tigerland in late 2007, the Yellow and Black faithful strongly suspected he was something special.

Cotchin had been taken by Richmond as the No, 2 pick overall in that year’s AFL National Draft and expectations were high that the gifted teenager would develop into a Tiger star.

In Round 8, 2008, Cotchin made his senior league debut on a cold, wet, May Saturday, against reigning premier Geelong at the MCG.

His impact was immediate, joining that elite group of league players, who kicked a goal with their first kick in the big time, adding another before the game was over, and being named as one of the Tigers’ best in their 30-point loss.

A nagging ankle injury then proceeded to hamper Cotchin’s progress over the next couple of years, although, at the same time, it also served to highlight his many other qualities.

With a maturity far beyond his tender football years, Cotchin was totally professional in adhering to a strict modified training program, as he worked diligently to overcome his injury problem.

In season 2010, Cotchin turned the glimpses of gold he’d displayed during his first couple of years into something more substantial, finishing seventh in the Club’s Best and Fairest award.

The following year, on the back of his first full pre-season, Cotchin took out his inaugural Jack Dyer Medal and polled an impressive 15 votes in the Brownlow Medal.

Now, with a further 12 months under his belt, at the game’s highest level, Trent Cotchin stands on the precipice of football greatness.

Tell us what you think is Trent Cotchin’s greatest attribute as a player - leave your thoughts in the comment section below

He has added a second Jack Dyer Medal to his footballing CV, won the prestigious AFL Coaches Association’s Player of the Year award, taken out ‘The Age’ Player of the Year award, and is favorite for the Brownlow Medal following an outstanding season in Richmond’s midfield.

The longer the season went, the greater Cotchin’s influence in games proved to be.
Cotchin played all 22 games for the Tigers in season 2012, averaging 27.6 disposals per match, with 30-plus touches in each of the last four rounds.

He was ranked No. 1 at the Club for total disposals, No. 2 for contested possessions, inside-50 entries and centre clearances, and No. 4 for uncontested possessions.

To further highlight Cotchin’s growing status as the total playing package, he finished fifth on the Tigers’ goalkicking table with 21 goals.

His ability to have a significant impact while “resting” deep forward was not lost on Tiger goalkicking great Matthew Richardson.

“I didn’t realise how good he could be as a deep forward taking marks,” Richardson said. 

Cotchin’s Round 20 performance against the Western Bulldogs at the MCG, was a sublime showcase of silky skills that sent those with Yellow and Black blood coursing through their veins into raptures.  On that August Sunday afternoon, Cotchin had 22 kicks, 13 handballs, seven marks, and capped off an exhilarating game with three goals. 

Chris Newman’s selfless decision to step down as Richmond captain, after four years in charge, appears to have paved the way for the modest, likeable Cotchin to take over as the Tigers’ skipper.

Despite being only 22, there is no doubting Cotchin’s capacity for the role.  He is a genuine star - both on and off the field.

Tomorrow, read about Ivan Maric’s instant impact at Tigerland