Richmond captain Trent Cotchin’s sterling performance against Collingwood at the MCG last Thursday night prompted plenty of praise post-match from Tigers coach Damien Hardwick, particularly for his strong defensive work.

Cotchin had 26 disposals, including 13 contested possessions, kicked two goals and had an equal game-high seven tackles in Richmond’s 19-point win.

“I thought he was outstanding, emphasised by those two last-quarter tackles . . ,” Hardwick said.

“Trent plays his best footy when he stalks the opposition, and we saw that tonight.

“It’s great to have your skipper do it . . . He just leads from the front in that area (applying defensive pressure). It’s something he prides himself on.

“He realises when he plays his best footy, that’s how it is.

“That’s why he’s captain. And that’s why he’s a really important leader for us.

“He started us off really well . . . and I thought his last quarter was huge.”