Tigers generate new leadersNathan Schmook
afl.com.au
January 22, 2014 5:58 PMRICHMOND captain Trent Cotchin says the Tigers need to turn their emerging midfielders into young leaders as they look to take the next step as a team in 2014.
Reece Conca, Brandon Ellis and Nick Vlastuin will form an exciting midfield this season, with the trio of first-round draftees boasting undoubted ability.
But Cotchin said they were the types of players Richmond also needed to eventually introduce into key roles, with the Tigers preparing to vote on their leadership group in the coming weeks.
"You need to spend time with them and fast track their development and their leadership so it doesn't seem like it's the same voice all the time," Cotchin told AFL.com.au.
"When they take that ownership of a role on the field that takes the pressure off us as well.
"All three of them have so many strings to their bow, but they have so much growth as well that's available to them if they're willing to work hard.
"I think the exciting thing for our fans is they're three really different players."
Conca was part of the Tigers' emerging leadership group in 2013, while Vlastuin and Ellis are both highly rated for their leadership abilities.
Cotchin, who is entering his second season as captain, was supported by vice-captain Brett Deledio last season, while ruckman Ivan Maric, star forward Jack Riewoldt and defender Dylan Grimes rounded out the leadership group.
The Tigers are re-evaluating their business and football culture before setting up guidelines for a leadership group vote ahead of the season.
"We've been waiting to see where our trademarks sit and once that's done we'll have a vote," Cotchin said.
"Whether or not we see a change will be interesting, but I'm sure some guys will be rewarded with votes.
"We've got an emerging group with five or six of the boys as well, and that probably changes every year.
"Sometimes we put players in there to fast track their development, and others are a long-term project to filter into the leadership group and maybe one day captain the side."
After taking on the Richmond captaincy as a 22-year-old, Cotchin said working with the club's young players and giving them a voice was a key part of his leadership style.
"It's about giving them an opportunity to raise issues they're coming across," he said.
"The reality is when you are a leader of a footy club there are some things you don't notice because you might see it as a small issue.
"Wayne Campbell said every time you ice you should sit down next to someone new and learn something about them because you never know, they might have a similar interest and you could get along.
"I'm continually trying to learn about our younger guys and where I can help them improve."
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-01-22/tigers-generate-new-leaders
