Richmond captain Trent Cotchin reported for punch on Saint Jack Lonie

AFTER a week of scrutiny on punching in footy, Richmond captain Trent Cotchin struck a blow and was reported. ELIZA SEWELL asks “why Trent, why this week?”

Trent Cotchin and Jack Lonie remonstrate after the Tiger’s gut punch on the Saint. Picture: AAP

It was silly. Really, really silly.

After the fortnight that was, where punching has dominated the headlines and AFL chief Gillon McLachlan stared down the barrel of TV cameras and declared to the football community “striking and punching at any level of our game is not acceptable” Trent Cotchin landed a punch.

Trent Cotchin and Jack Lonie remonstrate after the Tiger’s gut punch on the Saint. Picture: AAP

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It was to the stomach and will probably be graded on the Match Review Panel’s fancy scale to have had little impact, despite the victim Jack Lonie going to ground.

But Cotchin was reported all the same. And you just had to ask why Trent? Why this week?

Umpire Jacob Mollison was quick on his whistle and quick with the notebook. It might rate as low impact at the MRP, but it sure had an effect on the game.

Mollison ordered a 50m penalty and Seb Ross kicked an easy goal just eight minutes into the opening term to help start the Saints onslaught. Cotchin’s brain fade was nothing like the incidents that cost Bachar Houli and Tomas Bugg extended stints on the sidelines.

It certainly can’t be compared to Ali Fahour’s thuggery.

Cotchin was immediately reported by umpire Jacob Mollison and the Saints were awarded a 50m penalty after his gut punch on Lonie. Picture: AAP

Surely he won’t miss games for what appeared anti-social at best. But it’s a look thing, maybe even the vibe of the thing. The timing couldn’t have been worse and as Gil said, it’s just not on.

Cotchin kicked a goal soon after and it looked like he might get himself and Richmond into the game, but it was fleeting.

Maybe 'inspirational captain' Trent Cotchin should focus less on cheap shots and more on finding the footy?? 🤔🤔#AFLSaintsTigers

— Comrey Edgeworth (@CEdgeworth3) July 8, 2017

Pathetic Cotchin. #CaptainCustard #FightLikeMaddie #AFLSaintsTigers

— Barrels (@Uncle_Barrels) July 8, 2017

#AFLSaintsTigers Trent Cotchin's tummy punch may well just about be the stupidest thing I have seen this year.

— crowdiegal (@crowdiegal) July 8, 2017

When the Richmond captain was barrelled by Sam Gilbert in a brilliant tackle on the Saints’ forward flank it summed up his and the Tigers’ night as the play resulted in Jade Gresham scoring the St Kilda’s 12th goal. Cotchin had 10 touches to half time, 13 to the last break and ended the game with 17.

Dustin Martin was quiet too, he had just 11 touched to three quarter time and was far from his damaging best.

Saint Tim Membrey could also be in trouble for a stray elbow to the head of Tiger Dylan Grimes.

Grimes took his kick after the knock, but looked a bit worse for wear and did not play in the second half.