Richmond coach Damien Hardwick has acknowledged the captaincy development of the Club’s star midfielder Trent Cotchin.

Hardwick believes Cotchin, who is in his second season as the Tigers’ skipper, is responding extremely well to the challenges that go with the key leadership role.

“We’re asking a lot of Trent to lead the footy club at the age of 24,” Hardwick said on SEN.

“I think he’s had his best five weeks of captaincy over the last five weeks, when we’ve needed him most.

“He’s been nothing short of sensational, leading from the front, playing some good footy, but, more importantly, being more demanding of his players below him . . .

“He’s constantly getting feedback of how he can get better (as a captain), and we’re starting to see the benefits of that.

“We’re really happy with how he’s progressing at the moment, and he’s only going to get better as he goes on.”