Richmond captain Trent Cotchin is confident the Tigers’ 2017 premiership players will quickly click into pre-season training mode following their off-season celebrations and focus on the challenges ahead in 2018.

“I think we’ve got a good balance of guys that understand you need to let your hair down a little bit,” Cotchin said.

“It’s a pretty serious environment, AFL, and everyone’s always watching you, so guys need to take that opportunity to relax and blow of a little steam.

“But I think we are mature enough to know there comes a time to switch back on and start to strive towards the goal that you’re setting for 2018.”

Cotchin’s confidence in Richmond’s prospects for 2018 is further boosted by the depth of talent at Tigerland and the competitive nature of the playing group.

“I think that’s a show of real strength in the football club,” he said.

“There were six or seven guys that could’ve put their hand up and played in the senior (Grand Final) team, given the success of the VFL team last year . . .

“The hunger that our group has, whether that’s been in-game or off-field in the off-season, I think it speaks for itself . . .

“With the foundations that we created last year, if we can continue to build on those and repeat the same effort and intensity, which starts as of now, I think it’ll hold us in really good stead.”

As thrilled and fulfilled as Cotchin was with Richmond’s 2017 premiership triumph, he’s now firmly focused on the next phase of the Tigers’ football journey.

“There’s no doubt the impact it (the premiership) has on probably more so your fans and the people around you, rather than yourself,” he said.

“I think it’s something, as a player, you’ll reflect on post-career . . .

“You know, obviously, it was a special achievement, but we have lots of unfinished business while we’re playing.”