For Trent Cotchin, it was the perfect way to celebrate his AFL 250-game milestone – preliminary final success and entry into another Grand Final.

The dual Richmond premiership captain played his part in trademark style for the team against Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval last night, constantly using his body like a battering ram to ensure the ball was shovelled the Tigers’ way and out of reach of Power opponents.

Cotchin had 17 disposals, with a game-high 13 contested possessions, five clearances, three inside-50s and four tackles.

When the going was at its toughest in the frenetic final term, that’s when Cotchin led the way in cranking Richmond’s intensity up to an even higher level.

Post-game, he told Channel Seven how the Tigers handled the powerful preliminary final pressure.

“I feel like we just remained pretty composed, didn’t let any of the thinking get in our way. Just chugged away at the process,” Cotchin said.

“We knew they were going to keep coming, they’re a fantastic team.

“I think that’s the beauty of having been there before, you know exactly what’s required.

“You always talk about prelims (preliminary finals) being amazing matches and they’re really hard to win . . .

“Credit to our boys, we give ourselves another chance”.

Cotchin also underlined the uniqueness of the Richmond playing group.

“I’ve never been in another footy club, so I don’t know what it’s comparable to, but we just have fun every day,” he said.

“We don’t see it as work, we see it as getting together and doing what we love. And that effectively takes the pressure off as well.”