That both the senior and reserve teams were honoured was fitting, because the Tigers drew on a squad mentality to win the premiership, which was secured in an 89-point thumping of Greater Western Sydney at the MCG on Saturday. Ravaged by a horror run with injuries in the first half of the season, the Tigers headed to the mid-season bye with a 7-6 record and were outside the top eight at the end of round 14, before steaming home with 12 consecutive victories. Loading They ended up using 39 players in the AFL this year, the equal-most of any club in 2019. There were countless hard-luck stories. Star defender Alex Rance’s season ended with a knee injury in the opening round, midfielder Jack Graham was ruled out of the decider because of a shoulder injury suffered in the preliminary final win over Geelong, and Jack Ross and Kamdyn McIntosh missed both the VFL and AFL grand finals after being held over from the lower grade on standby but ultimately missing selection for the date with the Giants.

Jack Graham (left) with Dustin Martin and Trent Cotchin, after the Tigers beat the Cats in last week's preliminary final. Credit:Getty Images Cotchin, who was himself limited to 14 games as he battled hamstring concerns during the year, said it had been a challenging year for the club. "It’s been an interesting and different year, so there's plenty to be shared," Cotchin said. "It's been an amazing year from a learning point of view. It gave us plenty of opportunities to delve deeper. "Some guys that stood up have done an incredible job."

As it stands, only players who play in the winning grand final side, and their senior coach, receive a premiership medallion. AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan said last week that the league's commission and presidents had discussed the idea of the entire winning playing list getting a medal. Loading Cotchin said he was a supporter of the idea. "I think so," he said.

"And also our assistant coaches. I know, where does it stop? But the contributions that come from everyone within the football club is so significant that we should celebrate everyone." After a night of celebrations, Cotchin said he was feeling an emotional toll as much as a physical one. "My head’s good. I’m a little bit tired. I think I’m just emotionally drained to be honest," he said. He suggested that may have been the reason behind an animated goal celebration during the last quarter on Saturday in which he leapt into the air after sinking a running major. "It was a little bit out of character," he admitted.