CRITICISM of Richmond skipper Trent Cotchin this season has been unfair, according to Tigers coach Damien Hardwick, who praised the midfielder's "captain's game" on Sunday.

Cotchin was the star in Richmond's thrilling five-point win over Collingwood at the MCG, pushing his team to victory with 11 crucial possessions and three inside-50s in the final quarter.

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After suggestions the three-time club champion wasn't damaging enough and didn't lead with authority, Cotchin proved his doubters wrong in one of the best games of his career.

"I think what happens when you're losing games, the first people to cop it in the neck are your leaders from the media's point of view," Hardwick said.

"Trent, by his own admission, has had an OK start to the season, but I think today was a game that really defines the value of him to our football team … he willed us over the line, it was a great captain's game.

"He's improved enormously as a leader, he's 25 years of age, he's only going to get better and he's going to lead this footy club for a long period of time."

Cotchin was supported on Sunday by joint vice-captains Brett Deledio (30 possessions and two goals) and Ivan Maric (34 hit-outs and one), who both had a significant influence on the result.   

Tigers won't ride 'emotional rollercoasters' says Hardwick

Hardwick said the leadership group had taken a lot of the team's meetings in the build-up to Sunday's match and challenged the group to respond after a 2-4 start to the season.

"To see them perform like they did today was really impressive," the coach said. 

"The big thing for us is that needs to continue going forward."

 

WATCH: Hardwick's full post-match press conference

Cotchin said it made a difference when the leadership group - which also includes defenders Troy Chaplin and Steven Morris - fired as one, but they were no more important than the young players brought in on Sunday.

The Tigers blooded debutants Liam McBean and Connor Menadue, while young midfielder Corey Ellis showed more encouraging signs with 13 possessions and three clearances.

"We had a number of younger guys stand up in crucial moments," Cotchin told AFL.com.au.

"Nick Vlastuin took one really great intercept mark and then went back and crunched a contest with Jesse White.

"That's the expectation of our players but to see it happening more consistently is a fantastic result. It makes you proud as a player.

"I'm really proud of the way the boys consistently worked themselves into the game."