Tigers to let Cotchin & Riewoldt have final say on their future (afl site)

[one-eyed]

'Whatever they decide': Tigers to let duo have final say on future

The Tigers will let two of their greats decide their futures

By AAP
27 July 2023

RICHMOND caretaker coach Andrew McQualter says the club will leave it up to Jack Riewoldt and Trent Cotchin to decide whether they play on next year.

Riewoldt and Cotchin are nearing the end of their decorated careers and there's a chance both could pull the pin at the end of this season.

Cotchin is 33 years old and has played 304 games, while 34-year-old Riewoldt has notched 343 matches.

Both players have shown signs of slowing down this year with Cotchin averaging 16.7 disposals per game and Riewoldt kicking only 26 goals in 17 matches.

McQualter, who is bidding to become Richmond's coach on a permanent basis, says he will leave the decision in their hands.

"Jack's earned the right to make whatever decision he feels right," McQualter told reporters on Thursday.

"He and Trent are in the same boat. They've been absolute warriors for this football club.

"So whatever they decide to do, they'll have my full support and the club's full support."

Riewoldt said earlier this week he's still undecided about whether to play on next year.

The three-time premiership forward said the injury-enforced absence of fellow spearhead Tom Lynch had placed an extra challenge on him this season.

"I think Jack would be the first to say he'd love 'Lynchy' out there, it might make life a bit easier for him," McQualter said.

"But you know what, it just shows you how much of a competitor Jack is.

"Physically he's obviously not quite at the same level he was six or seven years ago, or five years ago.

"But he's just such a competitor and finds a way every week, and has a real will to win."

https://www.afl.com.au/news/987888/-whatever-they-decide-tigers-to-let-duo-have-final-say-on-future

[lamington]

I think this is a classy thing to do. Compare this to st kilda which gave Riewoldt the flick and now he’s sledging his old club

[one-eyed]

“I think what Richmond is doing with Jack Riewoldt and Trent Cotchin is really smart. They’ve been told it’s up to them if they want to play on. I love that. There’s no guarantee of selection. If you play on, you might be in the reserves. This is your call,” David King told SEN Breakfast.

Jack Riewoldt (Richmond)

King: “I think Jack will make the right call. He’ll be great in the media, Jack.”

Trent Cotchin (Richmond)

King: “Same.”

https://www.sen.com.au/news/2023/07/27/making-a-decision-on-14-afl-veterans-and-whether-they-should-go-on-or-retire/

[one-eyed]

From Mick Malthouse's article in the HeraldSun:

Which brings me to Trent Cotchin. A captain who is subbed in and subbed out, or omitted due to form, is no way for a champion to end his career. There is a tough decision to be made here.

One of the hardest things I ever had to do as coach was to leave Shane O’Bree and Tarkyn Lockyer out of the 2010 grand final, after they were replaced by younger players earlier in the season and couldn’t get back into the team. They retired because of that. Players like O’Bree and Lockyer put years and years of dedication into a club and you want to repay them, but there sometimes comes a point where you must put the club first.

Jack Riewoldt has suffered this year without Tom Lynch. Does he go around again if Lynch gets back, given that Lynch himself has had a bad run of injuries?

Dustin Martin still has good football in him, but does he have the hunger to continue?

There are players like Scott Pendlebury who have a want and a hunger to play. At nearly 36, he still adds great value and there isn’t a team who wouldn’t have him in their best 22.

You can never question Martin’s ability, but there will come a day when he decides he’s had enough. At 32, I don’t think that day is years away.

So many questions that can only be answered by the players or the match committees.

This game is demanding and the expectations are great. It’s hard and it’s sad to retire. Even more difficult to retire someone else. But, if a player isn’t consistently in a club’s best 22 for whatever reason, no matter the age, no matter the experience, no matter the emotional ties, then it’s time. I’ve said it before, but time waits for no one.

https://www.codesports.com.au/afl/afl-premiership-coach-mick-malthouse-on-when-time-must-be-called-on-ageing-stars/news-story/2e991c659e231796e55d5361b81ea9c1

[Hard Roar Tiger]

What TF are you trying to say Mick?
I think YOUR time has come.
Stop writing

[georgies31]

Don't belive they should have the final say they have been great servants and champions,  but there time is up and no one is bigger then the club time to move forward.

[Gigantor]

I’m all for the narrative the club has been talking about for a few  years now that of the “Richmond man, as a result I believe both Trent and Jack are the epitome of that and will always put club before self.

[the claw]

Think Mick is spot on.

Two of his comments says it all.
If players are not consistently in the best 22 for whatever reason, no matter the age, no matter the experience, no matter the emotional ties then it's time. Boy does that apply to a pile of our players. You can take it further and break it into roles. Just add not consistently top 2 or 4 depending on role..
That then says your very  replaceable.


There indeed comes a point where you have to put the club first we have reached that with many.

[one-eyed]

HOW WILL TIGERS FAREWELL TWO GREATS?

Scott Gullan
HeraldSun
5 August 2023

Saying goodbye is never easy and with three rounds to go there will be a number of veterans casting their eye on the fixture.

What Richmond does with two legends of the club in Trent Cotchin and Jack Riewoldt over the next month will be interesting.

Now that the Tigers finals chances are gone after Friday night’s flogging by the Western Bulldogs, how they exit these champions will come into focus.

Of the pair Cotchin would seem to be the most advanced in his mind that his time is up. Riewoldt seems still undecided and dreaming about a time with Tom Lynch returns and he doesn’t have to play on the opposition key defender each week.

Next week the Tigers play St Kilda at Marvel Stadium so you can rule that out but Rd 23 is on a Saturday afternoon against North Melbourne at the MCG.

Given Richmond plays Port Adelaide at the Adelaide Oval in the final round, you’d think it would be all chips in for a MCG celebration against the Roos.

That draw is going to make for some interesting conversations at Punt Rd over the next few days.

https://www.codesports.com.au/afl/early-tackle-scott-gullans-early-likes-and-dislike-from-round-21/news-story/9e47d19a9ed5e2d425e6dcd66b0007c3

[Tiger_In_Sicily]

No player is bigger than the club, imo this is a weak stance by RFC.

[pmac21]

Agree, stupid statement. 
They are both clearly physically unable to compete. Particularly Jack, once the ball hits the ground he is now a serious liability.
Make a call so they can get a farewell game.

[TigerLand]

I think at some point the club will have a say, I mean Jack and Cotch don't have a contract for next year for starters. I'd say the club have said you have your say on how you want to finish, at North game or at Port.

Or do you not want a farewell game and go for finals.

I would imagine the club has said to both that next year's contract isn't possible.

[FooffooValve]

Reckon they will both go out at the North game. No point in them playing the Port game, whether we are in contention or not to be honest.

[georgies31]

Hard decisions like this need to be made football department needs to hardened up.

[Francois Jackson]

Hard decisions like this need to be made football department needs to hardened up.

they are doing a great job, footy cap tax matters dont you know this?

never mind the fact we now go from a coach who we paid 1 million to one thats probably on 300k. no biggy keep things as they are Luke is doing great as is Morris