A blue debut for Tigers great

IT’S just one more sleep until a three-time AFL premiership captain and Brownlow medallist runs out on field with the Ballan Blues, and he said he’s keen to get cracking.

Richmond Tigers champion Trent Cotchin was drawn at Pick 2 in the Carlton Draft on Tuesday 30 April, and will play for the Blues against Newlyn tomorrow.

“I’m really excited. I’ll try not to put too much pressure on myself, there’s an element of fun to it, but there’s also a team that are hungry to win, and it was great to see them get a win against Clunes last week,” he said.

“I’ve been doing plenty of running and pilates and so forth, so I feel like my body’s in pretty good nick.

“My understanding is they’re a really young crew at Ballan, and they’ve got a really solid core they believe is the future of the footy club.”

Cotchin said the recent history of the Ballan Blues, and their successful application to get a player in the Carlton Draft, was a great example of how fantastic the concept is.

“I know they haven’t been able to play a home game at their home ground for a long period of time, so that’s been a big drawcard for them,” he said.

“That what I love about what the Carlton Draft are doing with community footy. Clubs like Ballan are genuinely community hubs, and provide the opportunity for everyone to come together on a Saturday or Sunday and spend quality time together.

“I’m sure they’re reaping the benefits, and if I can be in some way, shape, or form a small part of continuing to drive that energy and sense of community, and bring a few more people to the game, I think that’s brilliant.

“I’m looking forward to seeing all the young kids, whether they’re sons and daughters of people playing, or of volunteers, or just random people wanting to watch a game of footy…I’m looking forward to being a part of that.”

As for what position he’ll be playing, the former yellow and black superstar said “it’d be nice to start somewhere around the middle,” but he didn’t mind the idea of coming off half-back to “get the boys that always kick the goals kicking the goals.”

Cotchin and the Ballan Blues will take on the Newlyn Cats from 2.30pm on Saturday 1 June, at the Ballan Recreation Reserve.