Tigers skipper stands tall in gritty win, shoots up rankingsAFL.com.au
9 August 2016RICHMOND captain Trent Cotchin is at his highest mark in the Schick AFL Player Ratings in more than two years.
It's been a tough year for the skipper, who suffered scrutiny this year about his suitability as captain and questions over the effectiveness of his game style.
Cotchin hit No.39 for the first time since round seven, 2014. His career-high mark of No.18 came early in the 2013 season.
He was excellent once again on Friday night against Collingwood. Both coaches awarded him the maximum five votes after he picked up 28 disposals, 14 contested possessions and eight clearances.
That performance saw Cotchin rated the second-highest player on the ground, behind only two-game Magpie Rupert Wills.
After a performance that helped relieve some of the pressure on the embattled club, Tigers coach Damien Hardwick was full of praise for the 26-year-old.
"Our skipper was outstanding from the word go, the way he led the players," Hardwick said.
From a team perspective, the season has not been what Richmond would have expected. The Tigers hoped for some success this September after three successive finals appearances for a net result of zero wins.
Even though Hardwick's men have posted a disappointing eight wins thus far, Cotchin has been a constant contributor.
He is ranked 10th in the competition for clearances per game, and 17th for contested possessions per game, demonstrating the midfield load he has carried.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-08-09/tigers-skipper-trent-cotchin-stands-tall-in-gritty-win-shoots-up-rankings
