Alex Rance says Trent Cotchin is best captain in AFL
ALEX Rance found himself in unfamiliar territory against Port, subjected to a hard tag by Jackson Trengove. His captain Trent Cotchin’s halftime words helped him burst through.
Richmond
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IT WAS worth so much more than just four points.
The fast-finishing Tigers pipped Port Adelaide by 13 points in a brutal battle to climb into the AFL’s top four.
The Tigers leapfrogged Port with a tenacious 11.10 (76) to 8.15 (63) triumph at Adelaide Oval, raising the hopes of its fans that this could be the year of something special.
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Dustin Martin enhanced his Brownlow Medal chances with 37 disposals and a goal, while Dan Butler kicked three goals and debutant Tyson Stengle bagged two.
Importantly for the growth of the side, the win was secured without starring roles from captain Trent Cotchin and premier defender Alex Rance.
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Rance was shadowed by Port’s Jackson Trengove in the first half, but overpowered his Port opponent after the main break, while Cotchin had just five disposals to halftime before he responded with another 10 and a crucial goal in the second half.
“He’s the best captain in the comp,” Rance said of Cotchin.
“He’s really matured into his role and I love that he’s answered all those critics that have been so hard on his back over the last couple of years.
“He was just super today. I love playing for him.”
Cotchin made a beeline for Rance in the rooms during the halftime break.
Rance acknowledged the challenge Trengove presented, but it was his captain’s words that helped him shake off the mental battle.
“It was a real mental battle for me,” Rance said.
“It’s the first time I’ve had a hard, run-with role like that.
“He played it to perfection.
“He really got in my head and annoyed me and got some good rewards for it.
“He did so well.”
Richmond’s season started with five straight wins followed by four losses on the trot. The Tigers have won four of their past five and face St Kilda at Etihad Stadium next Saturday.
Cotchin praised his side’s maturity.
“We fought it out. They headed us towards the latter part of that second quarter but it shows a lot of resilience to come out on top against the odds, with a big crowd here,” he said on Fox Footy.
“But the Tiger faithful continue to show up and that’s why we love them as supporters.”
Richmond came from 16 points down late in the third quarter to overwhelm the Power, who are yet to beat a top-eight side this season.
In a high-pressure fixture, the Tigers made a decisive move from late in the third term, kicking six consecutive goals to stun Port.
Richmond’s Kane Lambert (33 touches), Brandon Ellis (29 possessions) and Shaun Grigg (26 disposals) were also prolific ball-winners.
Port’s Chad Wingard was a standout for the hosts with a career-high 39 disposals and teammates Ollie Wines (28 possessions), Jared Polec (25 touches) and Sam Powell-Pepper (24 disposals, two goals) were busy.
Defender Hamish Hartlett was also among Port’s best until suffering a corked thigh in the third term — he didn’t return.
A rugged opening set the tight tone, with neither side able to score a goal until Richmond’s Jack Riewoldt converted in the 17th minute.
Port’s Brad Ebert, who shut down Cotchin — he had just five disposals in the opening half — soon replied and at quarter-time the Power led 1.6 to 1.4.
Richmond briefly took the lead in the second stanza before Port kicked four of the next five goals — the last pair gave the home side a 15-point buffer at halftime.
Port held a 16-point break 22 minutes into the third quarter before Richmond’s match-defining burst.
The Tigers then made three decisive strikes — debutant Stengle’s first AFL major was followed by classy goals on the run from teammates Daniel Rioli and Martin and they led by two points at three quarter-time.
The visitors stretched their lead with the opening three goals of the last quarter, including another to Stengle and two from Butler, and they held on for victory.
—With AAP