Richmond legend Trent Cotchin has opened up on amazing gesture that he painstakingly did ahead of each of the Tigers’ premiership successes.
The Tigers confirmed their status as one of the great dynasties of the modern era with three flags in a brilliant four-year period.
They achieved the ultimate success on the back of superstars Dustin Martin, Jack Riewoldt and Tom Lynch, but Cotchin’s leadership undoubtedly played a key part as well.
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Cotchin’s on-field exploits were there for all to see, but some of his off-field endeavours are not as well known.
“Leading into every grand final that I played in, I loved to send individual video messages to each player and staff that were part of the footy club,” he said on Talking Finals.
Cotchin then revealed a snippet of one message he sent to now captain Toby Nankervis.
“Nank, the big country boy, the man that just wants to be known as the country lad that loves his family and friends. And always makes it really clear to them,” the message began.
“Well, I have a message for you, mate. I love you and I walk so much taller running out alongside you. You’re an incredible competitor like no one I have ever seen before.
“You thrive on taking something away from the opposition – that’s an amazing attribute to have. I know you will leave no stone unturned and you are diligent in the process. I can’t wait to get out there tomorrow night.”
Essendon great and Channel 7 commentator Tim Watson was blown away by the gesture.
“That’s unbelievable, can’t believe you did that for every player and every staff member,” Watson said.
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Cotchin went on to explain why he did it.
“Probably a bit over an hour, but I think for me, my captaincy shift was just investing time in people,” he said.
“That was just my little way of saying thank you for the year and getting on with the job.”
Cotchin retired this year after a glittering 306-game career with the Tigers that yielded three premierships and a Brownlow Medal amid a stack of other achievements.
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