AFL All-Australian team: Trent Cotchin stakes captaincy claimsJAY CLARK,
Herald Sun
17 August 2017TRENT Cotchin began the year uncertain if he would keep the Tigers’ captaincy.
After the most difficult season of his football life, the gun midfielder said he was happy to hand the baton over if the club felt it was time for change.
But in a storyline that has been somewhat lost amid the hype surrounding Dustin Martin’s form and contractual to-and-fro, Cotchin has produced one of the finest seasons of his career to emerge as a serious contender for the All-Australian team.
And not just for a midfield berth, but also as captain.
After appointing retiring Bulldogs’ skipper Bob Murphy the All-Australian captain in 2015, it is clear the esteemed selectors don’t mind the romance side of things.
And Cotchin has made one of the comebacks of the year, in the face of persistent criticism last season of a) his ‘short and lateral-kicking’ playing style and b) his leadership.
Coach Damien Hardwick said the barbs had reached “farcical” levels in August last year, while Cotchin’s wife Brooke was moved to defend her husband on social media site Instagram.
Footy, and the negative headlines, were wearing him down at that point.
But the unequivocal story this season has been his pinpoint ball use, his sharpness and selflessness in congestion and his ability to help transform one of last year’s biggest disappointments into a top-four team and, indeed, a youthful premiership contender.
Ask anyone at Punt Rd about the 27-year-old’s influence and they all rave about his support and direction, on and off the field.
He is set for another top-three finish in the best and fairest and is part of the captaincy conundrum All-Australian selectors face over the next few weeks.
Trent Cotchin in 2017 AVERAGE RATINGRanking points 103 Above average
Disposals 23.9 Average
Contested possessions 11.3 Above average
Metres gained 379 Above average
Clearances 4.8 Average
Inside 50s 4.5 Above average
Goals 0.8 Elite
Score assists 1.3 Above average
Tackles 5.7 Above average
Geelong’s Joel Selwood would be the automatic pick for a record-equalling fourth time if an ankle injury had not halted his campaign at 16 games.
The two Josh Kennedys have strong claims as they look to close out another excellent season.
Or does the panel opt for the best player?
2006 All-Australian captain Brad Johnson said the skipper should come from one of the players in the starting 18, rather than the interchange bench, and didn’t have to be a current club captain.
“If the only club captains in the All-Australian team were on the bench I think you go with one of the guys in the starting team and I don’t think anyone would have any problems running out behind ‘Buddy’, or ‘Danger’, would they?” Johnson said.
“The two Josh Kennedys would be right up there and I think it would be great to see Trent Cotchin get some recognition.
“He has gone to another level this season and I think the change in game style at Richmond has really suited him.
“He is not getting the ones around the back anymore but getting some really important ball, pushing forward and hurting the opposition.”
Trent Cotchin comparison 2017 2016Ranking points 103 100
Disposals 23.9 26.9
Contested possessions 11.3 12.2
Metres gained 379 387
Clearance 4.8 6.0
Inside 50s 4.5 4.5
Goals 0.8 0.5
Score assists 1.3 1.0
Tackles 5.7 4.6
Richmond chief executive Brendon Gale said Cotchin’s leadership had been first class this season.
“He’s a wonderful player, but from a whole of club perspective we’ve always had great admiration for the way he carries himself and the way he represents his family and his club,” Gale said.
“We have been a bit bemused with the way Trent has been criticised and singled out in the past.
“But this year he has taken his game to another level and the care he shows for all of his players has been exemplary.”
In his public life, Cotchin has been more visible this season, writing insightful columns for the Sunday Herald Sun.
He has admitted he had to change his leadership style, after a tearful heart to heart with Hardwick at the end of last season.
Confronting some problems, Cotchin said he had to stop trying to be the perfect role model and show more of his vulnerable side.
He had to open up and connect more deeply and personally with his playing peers. And this year, the tide has turned his way.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/richmond/trent-cotchin-stakes-his-claim-to-be-allaustralian-captain/news-story/8e42d68d8634bb9ab8551805113d81d4
