Richmond coach Damien Hardwick has paid tribute to Trent Cotchin on him becoming the captaincy games’ record-holder at Tigerland.

Cotchin led the Tigers into the field of battle for the 169th time in last night’s semi-final win against St Kilda at Metricon Stadium, surpassing Percy Bentley’s record of 168 games as the Club’s captain from 1932-40.

“We’re all incredibly proud of him. He's been a warrior for us. He'll be an all-time great, and just the way he's led this club since he took over has been enormous really,” Hardwick said at his post-match press conference.

SEMI FINAL WRAP UP
  • 01:09

    Otterbox Defensive Acts: Semi final

    Watch the best defensive acts from the semi final win over St Kilda.

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  • 10:26

    SF: Hardwick post-match

    Damien Hardwick addresses the media after the win against St Kilda

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  • 07:15

    SF: Match highlights

    Watch the highlights from the win over St Kilda

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  • 00:27

    Team song: Richmond

    Watch the Tigers celebrate their Semi Final win

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  • 01:40

    SF: Bolton's brilliant bag

    Shai Bolton is the Carlton Draught Man of the Match after his heroics against St Kilda on Friday night

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  • 01:26

    SF: Lynch's strong return

    Watch Tom Lynch's highlights from the semi final win over St Kilda.

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  • 04:23

    SF: 'Our pressure is what we're known for' - Prestia

    Dion Prestia addresses the media following the semi final win over St Kilda.

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  • 01:46

    SF: Houli post-match

    Bachar Houli addresses the media following the semi final win over St Kilda.

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  • 01:05

    SF: 'We wanted to play a Richmond game' - Edwards

    Shane Edwards chats to the media following the semi final win over St Kilda.

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  • 00:37

    SF: Dusty makes it look easy

    Severe pressure in traffic no hassle for Dustin Martin

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  • 00:38

    SF: The superb touch and vision in Edwards' goal assist

    Shane Edwards is all class to find an open Jason Castagna in space.

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  • 00:20

    SF: Great Tiger play and Rioli kicks a goal

    The long ball pays off as Daniel Rioli gets free in the square.

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  • 00:29

    SF: Two belters in one magical minute for Bolton

    Shai putting on a great display in the first quarter.

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  • 00:39

    SF: Lynch is back with the opening goal

    Tom Lynch with a strong mark and goal to give the Tiges a quick start.

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“His journey, our club's journey, has been on the back of him. He’s just really important.”

Cotchin had 19 disposals, three marks, three rebound-50s, six intercepts, four score involvements and three one-percenters in last night’s clash with the Saints.

The dual Richmond premiership skipper will reach the AFL 250-game milestone in Friday night’s preliminary final against Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval.