'Smelling the roses': No retirement thoughts for Tigers' 300-game heroRichmond triple-premiership captain Trent Cotchin says he still possesses the "inner willingness to compete" as he prepares for his 300th AFL game
By AAP
15 June 2023RICHMOND milestone man Trent Cotchin isn't ready to call time on his illustrious AFL career, insisting he still has a burning desire to compete at the top level.
The 33-year-old, who initially thought last season would be his swansong, will play his 300th game when the Tigers take on St Kilda on Saturday night.
In doing so, Cotchin will join Kevin Bartlett, Jack Riewoldt, Jack Dyer, Shane Edwards and Francis Bourke as the only Richmond players to reach the mark.
"I'm not putting a ceiling on anything," Cotchin told reporters on Thursday.
"Jack (Riewoldt) and I have had plenty of conversations this year where it's just about smelling the roses and enjoying each moment.
"We've shared moments where we just look at each other and we know that's a time to take in and celebrate and be present.
"You can get caught up in all the hoo-haa around what's next but I'm really just trying to celebrate what is right now."
Triple-premiership stars Cotchin and Riewoldt signed one-year contracts for 2023, while their flag-winning teammate Edwards called time at the end of last season.
When announcing his new deal last September, Cotchin said "the plan probably was not initially to go again".
The former captain and 2012 Brownlow medallist has contemplated life after football, eager to put his wife and young family first, while declaring coaching is not one of his strengths.
Cotchin admitted it will be hard to let go when he does eventually call time but said a moment during Thursday's training session - when he fought over a loose ball with 20-year-old teammate Tyler Sonsie - proved he still has the desire for the contest.
"What makes successful players successful is their inner willingness to compete ... when you lose that you know that it's time to let the next person have their time," Cotchin said.
Cotchin said he had mixed emotions reaching the milestone without triple-premiership coach Damien Hardwick, who led the Tigers for more than 13 seasons before stepping away from the game last month.
"To go through so much of my journey with such a special person at the helm of our footy club and him not being here (now) is bittersweet," Cotchin said.
"But just being in contact with him earlier in the week, I realised it was the right time for him and I'm sure we'll share a moment at some stage over the next few days.
"He's had a huge impact not just on my life but my family's life, and all of our players' lives at the footy club."
Cotchin spent time in attack earlier this season but said he has relished his return to the midfield over the last two weeks under caretaker coach Andrew McQualter.
The Tigers (5-1-7) posted wins over GWS and Fremantle in that time and can give their finals hopes another boost with victory over fifth-placed St Kilda.
Cotchin was captain of Richmond's 2017, 2019 and 2020 premiership teams, having made his debut in 2008.
He is credited as being one of several key pillars who turned around the previously struggling club's fortunes - along with chief executive Brendon Gale, former president Peggy O'Neal and Hardwick - at the end of 2016.
https://www.afl.com.au/news/950459/-smelling-the-roses-no-retirement-thoughts-for-tigers-300-game-hero
