Triple Richmond premiership captain Trent Cotchin is convinced the Tigers will remain right in contention for some time yet because of the abundance of exciting young talent coming through at the Club, combined with a large group of proven, quality, experienced players.

“We’ve been incredibly lucky and grateful for the journey that we’ve been on, but that’s exactly how we see it at the moment . . . it’s still continuing on,” Cotchin said.

“Like every team in the competition, we want to grow and improve. And we feel as though whether that comes from our youth, or our mature players, we’re in a really good position to do so in 2021.

“Even looking back to the Grand Final, we didn’t play our best footy in the first half, there were a few key areas, we had a couple of injuries.

“Trying guys in different roles has been interesting through the pre-season . . . In our practice match on Saturday, someone like ‘Dowy’ (Thomson Dow), who didn’t play a lot of footy last year, was exceptional. A number of our other midfielders and half-back and wings are continually putting their hand up.

“I think what I was most proud about last year, was the way those guys attacked the season.

“They didn’t really get a really good crack at it up in hub life. A lot of the time they were playing 10 v 10, 12 v 12 . . .

“Seeing their growth through last season was really impressive, and I think something that’s going to hold us in really good stead moving forward.”

Likewise, Cotchin believes the all-round calibre of the Club’s seasoned players will ensure the Tigers stay firmly in the hunt for more success.

“The thing that I’m incredibly lucky with, having led this group for a long period of time now, is they’re self-motivated,” he said.

“They continually look for ways to improve themselves, but, more importantly, their teammates. And I think when you have that as part of your core values and beliefs, it’s always going to hold you in good stead with regards to improvement and growth.”