Richmond captain Trent Cotchin has signed a contract extension with the club, keeping him at Punt Road until at least the end of 2022.
The midfielder wasn't out of contract until 2020, but has decided to extend his time at Tigerland.
After 217 games, one Brownlow Medal, three best and fairests and a drought-breaking premiership, Cotchin now looks like ending his career in yellow and black.
Tigers footy manager Neil Balme said the former number two draft was a fantastic leader for the club.
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“Trent is everything we could ask for as the captain of our football club. His leadership and care for his teammates, as well as the courageous way he plays the game is just exceptional,” Balme told richmondfc.com.au.
“He leads by example with his talent and toughness on-field, and his maturity and authenticity off-field. We’re lucky to have him leading our playing group.”
The signing now means that Richmond's core group of experienced players Cotchin, Dustin Martin (2024), Jack Riewoldt (2021) and Alex Rance (2021) are all locked away long term.
Richmond are all but assured of finishing the home-and-away season as minor premiers as they look to go back-to-back following their 2017 flag.
With many of their rivals limping their way to September thanks to injuries, the Tigers are firm favourites to make in anothe premiership in 2018.
