RICHMOND'S administration believes the club's progress has long been stymied by what it refers to as a "Messiah complex." The Tigers don't want to repeat the pattern of making one individual — player, coach or president — "the one" who will deliver them from decades of mediocrity.

Hence, it was a touch surprising to hear Damien Hardwick, in an unguarded moment, compare Trent Cotchin to Chris Judd and Wayne Carey, players who were regarded as Messiahs.

But in speaking of Cotchin's abilities, Hardwick was on safe ground. Cotchin isn't prone to getting ahead of himself. The coach might be reluctant to praise Jack Riewoldt for kicking 10, knowing that Jack can enjoy the adulation. He doesn't have to worry about how Cotchin will receive high praise, criticism or hype.

Hardwick also happened to be speaking the truth. Cotchin is comparable to Judd at around the same age, and his range of talents — ball-winning, evasion, balance, skills on both sides — are similar to Gary Ablett's. He is en route to becoming the most accomplished player to have represented Richmond since the great Kevin Bartlett.