Trent Cotchin declares himself and Richmond ready to go for Round 1 blockbuster with CarltonGlenn McFarlane
Herald-Sun
March 25, 2015 7:00PMRICHMOND captain Trent Cotchin has declared himself ready and raring to go ahead of next Thursday’s season-opener against Carlton, as he forecast two possible new faces in the Tigers’ line-up.
Having pulled up well from his first game of the pre-season — a strong three-quarter effort against North Melbourne last Saturday — Cotchin said he was physically ready to take on the Blues in a week’s time after overcoming hamstring soreness.
And he says 2012 draftee Kamdyn McIntosh and mature-age elevated rookie Kane Lambert are right in the mix for senior debuts after solid pre-season campaigns.
“It was just a bit of a niggle, but it didn’t hinder my load with regards to running, so that was a real benefit,” Cotchin said.
“I could keep my fitness up, which was good.
“I had a really big and consistent pre-season, probably the most consistent I had had so far. So it was disappointing not to be able to go out there and play with the young boys (in the first part of the NAB Challenge).
“But it was nice to be able to give myself a chance to play against North. The intensity was there from the get go, and we enjoyed the hit out.
“We didn’t win the game, but we took some learnings out of it and hopefully it will hold us in good stead.”
Cotchin said Lambert, 23, and McIntosh, 21 next month, had put themselves into the frame for selection against the Blues, but said the club would not rush Chris Newman after his minor heart surgery.
“When you are monitoring a little heart procedure, you just want to see where that ends up,” he said. “He (Newman) is back at the club now.
“But he will be set to go when he is ready. We are looking forward to ‘Newy’ having an impact and getting out there again.
“There have been some really good signs from some of the younger guys. Kane Lambert was elevated so that will give him half a chance. Kamdyn McIntosh was good again on the weekend, and maybe Ben Lennon is a chance as well.”
Cotchin said the Tigers have put aside the disappointments of the past two finals campaigns, saying they will head into 2015 as well placed as they have been for several years.
“In comparison to last year, we are probably better prepared, but the reality is that the proof will be in the pudding,” he said. “You have to perform on game day.
“Our motto this preseason has been about getting the best out of yourself and living in the now.
“The last two years have been massive learning years for me, but also for our group. We have really matured a lot.”
He said the Blues would be a formidable opponent in the opening round after a competitive NAB Challenge series.
“It’s been a long and tough preseason and we are looking forward to an opportunity to meet a team that has been good over the NAB Cup,” he said.
“We’ve set ourselves for a big one.”
http://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/trent-cotchin-declares-himself-and-richmond-ready-to-go-for-round-1-blockbuster-with-carlton/story-fndv8t7m-1227278569999
