Inspirational Richmond captain Trent Cotchin has moved into equal fifth place in the 2018 AFL Coaches’ Association’s Player of the Year award following his superb showing against North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium last Sunday.

Cotchin, who paved the way for the Tigers’ narrow win in a hard-fought contest with his tenacious, top-class display through the midfield, received nine votes from respective coaches Damien Hardwick (Richmond) and Brad Scott (North Melbourne).

The Richmond premiership skipper had a team-high 37 disposals, including 22 contested possessions, seven clearances, five intercepts, four score involvements, 437 metres gained and kicked a crucial goal in the last quarter.

VIDEO: Cotchin on Talking Footy

He now has 37 votes in the prestigious coaches’ award, which is 11 behind the leader, Fremantle captain Nat Fyfe.

Josh Caddy was rewarded for his quality efforts up forward and in the midfield for the Tigers – 21 disposals, five marks, four clearances, nine score involvements, two goal assists and a game-high four goals – with four coaches’ votes.

Richmond’s top-class small defender Nick Vlastuin was given three votes for his sterling performance – 26 disposals, a game-high 15 intercepts, game-high 12 marks, game-high eight tackles and five score involvements.

Key midfielder Kane Lambert rounded out the Tigers’ coaches’ votes for Round 8, picking up two after finishing the match with 21 disposals, including 11 contested possessions, five intercepts, six score involvements and three goals.

Full voting details for the Round 8 Richmond v North Melbourne match are . . .

9 – Trent Cotchin (Richmond)

9 – Ben Cunnington (North Melbourne)

4 – Josh Caddy (Richmond)

3 – Nick Vlastuin (Richmond)

3 – Ben Jacobs (North Melbourne)

2 – Kane Lambert (Richmond)