Tigers great Cotchin calls time on decorated career, Cats hero Smith to hang up boots

The AFL will farewell two multiple-premiership winners at the end of the season, with Richmond’s Trent Cotchin and Geelong’s Isaac Smith announcing their retirements.

Cotchin and Smith confirmed on Thursday they would retire once their club’s respective 2023 campaigns conclude.

Speaking with his Tigers teammates on Thursday morning, three-time premiership captain Cotchin said it was time he hung up the boots after playing more than 300 senior matches.

“I am going to miss with all my heart the relationships, memories and experiences I have had these past 305 games,” Cotchin said.

“I accept reality and that my chapter has come to an end. My body is somewhat slowing down and is older than it once was.”

Cotchin made his senior debut with the Tigers in 2008 after being selected as the second pick in the national draft the previous year.

He enjoyed a decorated career, leading the Tigers to a drought-breaking premiership in 2017 – their first in 37 years — before winning back-to-back flags in 2019 and 2020.

Cotchin was awarded the 2012 Brownlow Medal alongside Hawthorn’s Sam Mitchell after Jobe Watson gave up the honour in the wake of the Essendon supplements scandal.

He captained the Tigers in a club-record 188 matches and claimed three Jack Dyer Medals.

“Obviously Trent has achieved so much as a player, however, it is the power and impact of his leadership that has impressed me the most,” Tigers chief executive Brendon Gale said.

“After being appointed captain in 2012 at 22 years, Trent in his own way and through his own experience redefined leadership at our club.

“His renewed focus on self-understanding, self-acceptance, care, and connection was instrumental in unlocking the full potential of our players and team.”

Smith to call it quits

Smith claimed the Norm Smith Medal in the Cats’ grand final victory last year, having earlier won three flags during his time with Hawthorn.

The 34-year-old has played 277 senior matches for the Cats and Hawks.

“I am so fortunate to have been given the opportunity to play AFL football,” Smith said.

“It is every kid’s dream growing up and to have that play out for me across the last 13 seasons at two great clubs is something really special.

“From the time I walked into Hawthorn, and now being at Geelong, I have always felt right at home at both organisations and to this day have made some very special friendships and bonds with a lot of people.”

Smith joined the Hawks after being selected with pick 19 in the 2010 national draft.

He made his senior debut the following year, before completing a 210-match stint with the club in 2020.

His time at the Hawks was highlighted by their three consecutive premierships between 2013 and 2015.