New Richmond captain Trent Cotchin’s decision to retain the No. 9 guernsey he’s worn since his league debut in 2008, rather than take over the No. 17 relinquished by Chris Newman, was no surprise.

After being handed the No. 9 jumper shortly after arriving at Tigerland, as the No. 2 pick overall in the 2007 AFL National Draft, Cotchin expressed his delighted . . .

“I’ve worn the No. 9 the last few years . . . I started wearing it when I went to PEGS (Penleigh Essendon Grammar School) the first time,” the then 17-year-old said.

“Before then I wore No. 3, but I don’t think I could take it from ‘Liddsy’ (Brett Deledio) here.

“I’m really happy to have it . . . I would have been happy with any number, but to be that low – and Wayne Campbell’s old number – I feel privileged.”

Campbell, a four-time Jack Dyer Medallist and former Richmond captain, played 266 games in the No. 9 guernsey with the Tigers.

He was the last captain to lead Richmond into a finals series (in 2001).