Cotchin finally catches his breath
Whittlesea Leader
18 Nov 08 @ 02:41pm by Laura Jolly
AFL FOOTBALL is a never-ending learning experience, as Wollert’s Trent Cotchin discovered when he launched into his first full pre-season with Richmond Football Club.
Eager to impress and speed up his development, the 19-year-old went above and beyond the training schedule provided by the club.
But the former Northern Knight soon learnt why the coaches are the experts, as he again found himself on the sidelines during pre-season training, this time with a niggling injury caused by over-training.
“I thought I’d go so hard because I missed the pre-season last year and I wanted to catch up to some of the other blokes,” he said.
“But I overdid it and got a niggle so I’m missing the first few weeks of the pre-season.”
On top of the club’s six-day-a-week program consisting of running, cross-training and weights, a determined Cotchin put in extra sessions when possible.
“We were doing three runs a week plus cross-training in between.
“But I would go for a cycle on those days, then hop on the treadmill for an extra 10 or 20 minutes, and that extra workload caused something to flare.”
While Cotchin’s enthusiasm and commitment couldn’t be faulted, he admitted the extra training was not the smartest choice.
“I won’t do it again next year, that’s for sure.”
But it won’t keep the young Tiger down for long, with Cotchin expected to return to full training this week as he aims to continue his already impressive AFL career.
Taken at No.2 in last year’s AFL draft then forced to sit out the entire pre-season with a broken foot, Cotchin debuted against Geelong and didn’t miss a game after that. He was the AFL Rising Star nominee for Round 12, and finished third in the Rising Star Award with 21 votes, behind Hawthorn’s Cyril Rioli (37) and winner Rhys Palmer (44) from Fremantle. With one year of AFL experience under his belt, Cotchin said he felt much better prepared heading into his second season.
“I always knew (playing in the AFL) would be pretty intense.
“Every move you make is watched by the staff and your peers so you’ve just got to give it your best shot all the time.
“It’s just full-on for your body.
‘’You’ve got to get used to it and develop, which is easier for me this time around because I’ve been in the system for a year.”
Despite his niggling injury, he said he also felt better prepared physically. His main focus for the pre-season, he said, was to build strength.
“When I first arrived at the club I was just off crutches and not doing much.
“I’m a lot fitter now.
“I suppose when you first get to the AFL they want you to put on weight. My weight is good now so I’m focusing on strength.
“You have to build strength without putting on size because it affects your running.
“It’s all about core strength.”
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