Richmond captain and midfield star, Trent Cotchin, has signed a five-year contract extension with the Club.

This means that Cotchin, who would have been out of contract at the end of 2015 and, therefore, eligible for restricted AFL free agency, will remain at Tigerland until at least the completion of the 2020 season.

Cotchin’s current contract was for only a two-year term, which the young Tigers’ skipper said, at the time, was designed to keep his motivation levels high.

Now, however, following consecutive Richmond finals campaigns, for the first time since the mid-1970s, and a third Jack Dyer Medal triumph, in 2014, Cotchin has his sights firmly set on helping the Tigers achieve substantial sustained success over the coming seasons.

Naturally enough, the Club is delighted that Cotchin has made such a significant commitment to the Yellow and Black cause . . .

“We are thrilled to have Trent commit to Richmond on such a long-term deal,” said Richmond General Manager of Football, Dan Richardson.

“Clearly his decision indicates that he is fully behind the direction the Club is heading, and he has a desire to lead the playing group as it continues to mature and improve.

“While we were extremely confident he would re-commit to the Club at the end of his current contract, it’s a great result that the extension has been finalised so swiftly.

“Trent has grown into an outstanding leader of the Club, while maintaining an extremely high level of on-field performance.”

Renew or join as a Richmond member for the 2015 season

Cotchin, who turns 25 at the start of the 2015 season, will be into his 30s by the time his new five-year deal expires.

He has played 131 games in his seven seasons at Richmond, with a highly-impressive career average of 23.35 disposals.

In season 2014, Cotchin averaged 26 disposals, 11.4 contested possessions and 5.3 clearances per match, kicked 18 goals, and was rewarded for his efforts with a third Jack Dyer Medal.

He also polled 18 votes in the Brownlow Medal, making it the fourth consecutive year that he’d finished with 15 votes or more in the game’s most prestigious individual award.