Richmond’s on-field leaders were at their collective, inspirational best in yesterday’s 13-point victory over Hawthorn at the MCG.

Captain and midfield star Trent Cotchin may have been quiet in his 200-game milestone match against Adelaide the previous round, but he bounced back brilliantly in the encounter with the Hawks.

Cotchin had 31 disposals, including an equal game-high 16 contested possessions, a team-high seven clearances, seven inside-50s, six intercepts, six score involvements, an equal team-high six tackles, team-high 53 pressure acts and 550 metres gained.

Time and again he threw himself into contests – more often than not emerging with the ball in his possession.

Tigers vice-captain Rance also rebounded superbly from his sluggish start to the Crows’ clash the week before.

The four-time All-Australian key defender finished with 19 disposals, 10 marks, a game-high nine rebound-50s, game-high 12 intercepts and game-high 12 one-percenters, continually repelling opposition forward thrusts in trademark style.

Co-vice-captain Riewoldt had 13 disposals, including seven score involvements, took five marks and kicked four goals, including one late in the game from a well-judged grab that effectively sealed Richmond’s win.