The Richmond Football Club acknowledges today’s decision by the AFL Commission to award Club captain, Trent Cotchin and West Coast’s Sam Mitchell as the 2012 Brownlow Medallists.

Trent Cotchin has made the following statement:

"I accept the 2012 Brownlow Medal with mixed emotions.

"But I also respect the decision of the AFL Commission and the award that is the Brownlow Medal.

"This has been a difficult time for Jobe, but I have great respect for him, and the decision he made in very tough circumstances."

Richmond President, Peggy O’Neal acknowledged today’s decision by the AFL Commission.

“Trent had a great season in 2012, he was also the 2012 Jack Dyer Medallist, and by the end of the year was voted by his teammates to captain the Richmond Football Club,” O’Neal said.

“We are proud of Trent, he’s a fine captain, player and person, and he is now Richmond’s fifth Brownlow Medallist.”