Respected veteran AFL football commentator Tim Lane has declared Richmond premiership captain and outstanding midfielder Trent Cotchin the competition’s best player.

Lane made the comments during radio station 3AW’s coverage of the Tigers’ clash with St Kilda at the MCG yesterday.

He was in awe of the way Cotchin helped lift Richmond to a hard-fought, 28-point victory over the Saints through his inspirational efforts over the course of the entire match.

Cotchin finished with a team-high 32 disposals, including a game-high 17 contested possessions, game-high nine clearances, game-high seven inside-50s, eight score involvements, one goal, team-high 53 pressure points and 504 metres gained.  

“I’ve been thinking about this since that Collingwood game recently (Round 6), he is more capable than anyone in the game, I reckon, at withstanding the heat of a really intense contest now. I think he’s the best player in the game,” Lane said.

After 10 rounds of the 2018 season, Cotchin is averaging 25 disposals, 5.3 clearances, 4.6 inside-50s and 4.8 tackles per match.

But Cotchin’s value to the Richmond side goes way beyond his impressive statistical numbers.

He consistently sets the tone for the Tigers with his fearless attack on the ball, fierce determination to succeed, and excellent leadership qualities.