Trent Cotchin has shared details on his relationship with former coach Damien Hardwick and hinted at Dustin Martin’s possible future at Richmond.
In his recently released memoir, ‘From The Heart’, Cotchin revealed that he'd felt a “barrier” between himself and Hardwick following the coach’s controversial split from wife Danielle in 2020.
After a difficult season, the triple-premiership captain retired at the end of 2023, having played 306 games for the Tigers.
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Trent Cotchin reveals strained relationship with Damien Hardwick
On Wednesday, Cotchin appeared on Triple M’s The Rush Hour with JB & Billy, acknowledging the strain Hardwick’s marriage breakdown had on their relationship.
“I think it just created some challenges. Obviously, I love Dimma and still have a great relationship with Dimma, along with Danielle and the kids as well,” he said.
“For me, it was more just seeing the challenges it created for the family. Both Brooke and I looked up to them as the pinnacle of what the ultimate family looked like.
“When you build a footy club based around family and the pinnacle of that is different… it can cause some differences.
“That was a process we worked through together and shared a lot of conversations about as captain and coach but also just as mates.”
Hardwick signed a six-year deal to become Gold Coast’s fourth AFL coach in August, having announced his retirement three months prior.
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Trent Cotchin on Dustin Martin Gold Coast rumours
Speculation continues to grow around three-time premiership star Dustin Martin and a move to the Suns.
While a deal didn’t eventuate in the trade period, the Brownlow Medallist was seen meeting with former coach Hardwick on the Gold Coast in September.
Martin will be out of contract at the end of 2024, and according to Cotchin, is attracted to the lifestyle benefits of the expansion club.
“There’s always an element of you that loves the idea of the Gold Coast. Obviously, the warmer weather and Melbourne’s winters aren’t ideal sometimes," he said.
“There’s always that carrot being dangled particularly when someone you love and trust goes up to coach the footy club.
“We had conversations around it. But I think he’s pretty passionate… I think he really does like the idea of making that 300 [game] milestone as a Richmond player.”
Martin will need to play 11 games next season to reach the 300-match milestone as a Tiger.
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