The Brownlow Medalist hasn't played since round three against Greater Western Sydney after injuring his hamstring. He will play on Friday against North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium according to coach Damien Hardwick.
Hardwick mentioned that Cotchin was considering a return for last week's Dreamtime at the 'G clash but decided to take a cautious approach, saying they had this match against the Kangaroos as their goal when he first went down.
“He’ll probably be a little bit rusty I reckon with regard to his touch in and around the contest because he’s missed six or seven weeks," Hardwick said.
“But we just love his physicality and ability to run and cover ground. He’ll get better as the game goes on.”
Cotchin was one of many Tigers to go down due to injury in the early stage of the season alongside Alex Rance and Jack Riewoldt. Despite this, the club sits inside the top-four with a 7-3 record.
Riewoldt will likely not return from a PCL tear he suffered in round six until approximately Round 15.
“It wasn’t responding probably as quickly as Jack would like and for our guys it was a little bit the same but he’s not too far behind,” Hardwick said.
“It was a big aim for us to get him back after the bye, that’s probably not as likely now but it won’t be too much longer thereafter.”
