Richmond captain Trent Cotchin has totally endorsed the inclusion of experienced defender Troy Chaplin to the Club’s playing leadership group.

Chaplin, who finished third in the 2013 Jack Dyer Medal, following his first season at Richmond, joins Cotchin, vice-captain Brett Deledio, Daniel Jackson and Ivan Maric in a five-player leadership group at Tigerland for the 2014 season.

“It’s a great reward and it says a lot about the character he is,” Cotchin said.

“To be voted in by your peers, after only being at a football club for a year, just shows the type of person he is and how much the players respect him.

Be part of the Tiger Army in season 2014 and become a Richmond member today. 

“He’s obviously that little bit older, a similar age to Brett (Deledio) . . . it’s exciting.

“It shows that our list management and recruiters are bringing the right people into our football club.”

Cotchin is looking forward to the challenges awaiting in his second season as Richmond’s captain.

“I’m very happy (to be continuing as captain).  It’s another responsibility that is part of my day-to-day job and the great thing is I’ve got a good group around me that are going to show a lot of support and make really good decisions for our club going forward,” he said.

“Last year was a massive learning year for me, and this year’s going to be exactly the same.

“I am still young and I don’t think you can ever stop learning.

“Whether you’re the best leader in the competition, or the worst leader, there are always areas you can improve on, and that’s what I’m looking forward to doing.”