Mark Williams questions whether Trent Cotchin would be better off without Richmond captaincy

OUT-GOING Richmond assistant coach Mark Williams has backed Trent Cotchin to retain the Tigers’ captaincy ... sort of.

Mark Williams was released by Richmond. Picture: Dean Martin

FORMER Richmond assistant coach Mark Williams has backed Trent Cotchin to retain the Tigers’ captaincy ... sort of.

Williams was let go by Richmond this year after four years and said Cotchin was a “wonderful leader” but also used the analogy of Gavin Wanganeen giving up the captaincy at Port Adelaide to improve his game and help the team.

However, the Power premiership coach questioned whether there was a Tiger who would be better suited than Cotchin.

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“Trent’s a wonderful leader. He really has the ear of all the players,” he said.

“The only analogy I have was when I was at Port, we had Gavin (Wanganeen).

“I’ve discussed this in match committee - I haven’t discussed this with Trent at all - but we decided that Gavin played well, played better and had more influence on results without the responsibility of captaincy.

Mark Williams at Richmond training. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Richmond captain Trent Cotchin. Picture: Dean Martin

“Matty Primus got the opportunity and it was a wonderful result.

“I suggested that, as to what happens and who might take over, who would know because there’s no one there who is absolutely perfect.

“You can’t say Jack Riewoldt or Alex Rance would be perfect because they’ve all got something about them that isn’t exactly the perfect captain but then again, who is.”

Williams is now out of a job but wasn’t fazed when asked about his future on SEN.

“Choco” revealed he had spoken to clubs about 2017 but shutdown talk of moving to Brisbane where the Lions have a vacant coaching position and are in desperate need of experienced staff.

“Those (clubs) that have openings, I’ve spoken to a few,” he said.

“It’s not that easy right now, there’s not that many positions ... maybe it’s the media? What have you got there?

“Six times I’ve moved to be involved in footy clubs and I think my wife ... I think she’s had enough of that, so I’ll be looking to stay in Melbourne.”

Originally published as Mark Williams questions whether Trent Cotchin would be better off without Richmond captaincy