MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 28: Tigers captain Trent Cotchin and Tigers head coach Damien Hardwick hold aloft the Premiership Trophy after victory in the 2019 AFL Grand Final match between the Richmond Tigers and the Greater Western Sydney Giants at Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 28, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/AFL Photos/via Getty Images )
Richmond have announced that Trent Cotchin will step down from his duties as the Tigers' skipper for next season.
The 31-year-old has been captain at Punt Road since 2012, leading the Tigers to three premierships.
The longest-serving Tigers captain in the club's history, Cotchin will remove the proverbial armband following a decorated stint as Richmond's fierce leader.
Speaking on the decision, Cotchin stated his gratitude to be able to lead the Tigers and noted how exciting the near future is for the club.
“It has been an incredible privilege to captain this Club but it feels the right time to step down from that role," Cotchin said.
"The Club has built a really strong leadership culture over the past five years and we have some excellent leaders at Richmond that will flourish in the captaincy role.
"It’s an awesome opportunity to continue our philosophy of pushing leadership deep through the organisation, and for me to continue to play a role both on-field and off-field."
Cotchin has played 268 games in the yellow and black since making his debut in the 2008 season.
Tigers coach Damien Hardwick commended the veteran midfielder for his service.
“Trent will remain an incredibly important leader for this team in 2022, regardless of his title," Hardwick said.
“He prides himself on the development of our emerging leaders and he will undoubtedly remain committed to that and moving us back up the ladder next season.”