After nine years in the job, Trent Cotchin has stepped aside as Richmond captain.
He took the role at 23 years of age, and finished it as a 31-year-old with a massive 188 games as skipper and three premierships to his name.
So what happens next at Tigerland?
After such a successful era under Cotchin, a new captain must step forward and pick up where he left off.
These names below are the top candidates in line to become the Tigers’ next leader.
The front runners
Dylan Grimes
This would be an inspired choice. Grimes is 30, just a year younger than Cotchin, but he could go on for three or so more years.
A courageous defender, who was this year crowned the Jack Dyer Medallist, Grimes possesses all the attributes required to lead the club.
He speaks well in the media, leads by example with his on-field actions and is a heart and soul Richmond man.
Jack Graham
The hard-working midfielder has long been seen as a future captain.
He is 24 in February, so still on the young side, and could perhaps benefit from a few more years honing his leadership craft. (But age did not stop the club from appointing Cotchin).
The ideal scenario would be for Grimes to take the role now and for Graham to step up in 2024 or so.
Graham proved his leadership credentials with his heroic efforts in the 2019 Preliminary Final when he played through a dislocated shoulder, tackling with vigour to help get his side over the line.
He did captain the SA U18 side, so has some experience at junior level, but he may just need to find some consistency in his own game before worrying about taking on the colossal job.
Nick Vlastuin
About two years ago, Vlastuin may have been a lot of people’s top choice for this role.
But in the past few seasons, his on-field discipline has left a bit to be desired.
He does play on the edge and with plenty of fervour, but has been getting himself in some unenviable situations of late when giving away messy free kicks and remonstrating with the umpires.
Another with previous experience, Vlastuin skippered the Vic Metro U18 side and the fact he is contracted until at least 2026 is a bonus.
The defender is still only 27 so could be in the job for at least a handful of years if the club opted to look his way.
The star
Dustin Martin
Captain Dusty. Has a nice ring to it.
Many would love to see the superstar add captaincy to his ever-expanding CV, but would he even want the burden?
He doesn’t love conversing in public, which isn’t a deal breaker, but it would require his deputies to be wheeled out each week.
Martin would probably do a great job as captain, purely due to his football ability, but the question remains if he would even be interested.
The elder statesmen
Jack Riewoldt
The vice-captain has done the job in Cotchin’s absence and done it well.
He is a quality media performer so the weekly presser wouldn’t be a bother.
However, he is 32, which is older than Cotchin, and he probably only has one season left to play.
Shane Edwards
In a similar boat to Riewoldt in that he is 32 and nearing 33.
While Edwards might play on for a year longer, appointing someone for two years seems improbable.
He certainly has leadership capabilities, is quiet yet articulate, and has been through all the highs and lows since his early days at the club.
The former captain
Tom Lynch
Lynch has previous AFL captaincy experience having led the Gold Coast Suns alongside Steven May in 2017 and 2018.
The key forward does have it in him to go quiet for long periods of matches, however, which may not be ideal for a leader.
Leave him to focus on his footy.
The left-field option
Toby Nankervis
A much less likely option, but one with some merit.
Nankervis plays like he could be a skipper with his never-say-die attitude and constant desperation the hallmarks of his game.
‘The Nank’ is 27, like Vlastuin, so could do the job for a while, but he may be better suited as a foot soldier.