He’s still Chris Newman, but Richmond’s former skipper says he feels like a different person now that he is no longer the Club captain.

Newman selflessly stepped down from the captaincy at the end of season 2012, creating leadership opportunities for his younger team-mates.

The 30-year-old is relishing his new role, and it’s not only him that has noticed the difference in his demeanour.

The ‘Roar is Back’ in 2013. Become a member of Richmond today.

“It’s been interesting. I’ve had a few comments from some of the coaches, saying that I’m like a new person.  I’m sort of a little bit more vibrant now,” he said.

“I think (after) four years of captaincy, it does take a bit of a toll, probably more so mentally. And now, I’m not really going out of my way to look for things (that are) wrong.”

Since handing over the reins to Trent Cotchin, Newman has been able to focus more on his own pre-season campaign.

“It certainly frees the mind up a bit, so I’ve been enjoying this pre-season more than any other that I can remember.”

“Trent has certainly been outstanding, not only with his leadership stuff off the field, but he’s continued to set the example with his training and his habits too,” he said.

Cotchin, with support from vice-captain Brett Deledio and fellow leaders Daniel Jackson, Jack Riewoldt and new additions, Ivan Maric and Dylan Grimes, to help set the example to the rest of the playing group.

“Trent’s been really good early on, and he’ll continue to develop. He’s really lucky that he’s got a strong leadership group behind him that are going to help him in every way,” Newman said.