Trent Cotchin says he contacted Jobe Watson - the man he displaced as 2012 Brownlow medal winner - because it was "the right thing to do," but fellow new medallist Sam Mitchell refused to comment on Watson when asked about him in the immediate aftermath of Tuesday's presentation ceremony.
The pair received their 2012 medals more than four years after Essendon captain Watson was first announced as the winner.
More AFL Real Footy Videos
Mitchell and Cotchin get their 2012 Brownlows
Sam Mitchell and Trent Cotchin are presented with their Brownlow Medals after more than four years in a special ceremony in Melbourne.
Joint runners-up in 2012, Mitchell and Crawford were presented with the medals by Shane Crawford and Ian Stewart respectively, a month after the AFL Commission opted to award them following Watson's decision to hand his medal back as a result of the Essendon supplements saga.
The ceremony took place at a function centre in Melbourne's Docklands, across the road from AFL House, in front of about 150 people - including family and friends and present and past teammates.
![Former Hawthorn now West Coast player Sam Mitchell receives the 2012 Brownlow Medal from Shane Crawford on Tuesday.](/web/20161216055248im_/http://www.watoday.com.au/content/dam/images/g/t/9/x/c/1/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gt9u65.png/1481600015263.jpg)
Asked afterwards if he had spoken to Watson, Cotchin confirmed that he had been in touch with his fellow midfielder.
"I've reached out to Jobe. I thought that was the right thing to do," Cotchin said.
"I don't need to comment any further on it."
Mitchell was even briefer when asked if he was thinking of Watson.
"No I'm going to leave that," Mitchell said.
In some respects the ceremony was similar to the usual Brownlow function. It was hosted by Channel Seven's Bruce McAvaney and the winners' career achievements were detailed by AFL Commission chairman Mike Fitzpatrick. McAvaney interviewed the pair as he traditionally does, talking them through their respective journeys from junior football to the present day.
Highlights packages of both players' 2012 seasons were shown.
There were many differences too, though. While the dress code was largely formal, it was not black tie.
Cotchin's two daughters attended - both born after the 2012 season. Rather than revel in the accomplishment, Cotchin said he would celebrate with a couple of waters, with pre-season training commitments not far from his mind.
Both acknowledged the circumstances, but looked comfortable and pleased to be honoured.
"We are embracing it, and we need to enjoy the moment," Cotchin said.
He said however he was "envious" of Mitchell - a four-time premiership player at Hawthorn. Richmond captain Cotchin is yet to even win a final.
"[It's] a special moment for me from a personal point of view, but it's also a team game."
![Richmond captain Trent Cotchin receives his Brownlow Medal from Ian Stewart.](http://web.archive.org./web/20161216055248im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/t/9/x/5/p/image.imgtype.articleLeadwide.620x349.png/1481593421673.png)
Richmond captain Trent Cotchin receives his Brownlow Medal from Ian Stewart. Photo: Justin McManus
Mitchell emphasised "how grateful" he was to be afforded the chance to invite his loved ones.
"The amount of support you get from your family growing up is vital," Mitchell said.
"The most important thing in my life is my family.
"Being able to go next door and share it with 20 or 30 people that you have been through most of the journey with is something you can't anticipate.
"You're bringing joy to all the people closest to you in a way which you very rarely get to do, and that's something you've got to be thankful for."
McAvaney set the tone early when welcoming the attendees.
"It is an unusual Brownlow ceremony. But we are here to celebrate you both," he said.
Crawford and Stewart were chosen by the AFL to present the medals as the most recent winners from Richmond and Hawthorn respectively - the clubs Cotchin and Mitchell played for in 2012. Cotchin remains at the Tigers, but veteran Mitchell was sensationally traded to West Coast in October.
Many of Mitchell's former teammates could not attend, with the Hawks at a training camp in Queensland.
However Mitchell said several Hawks had been in touch with him.
He also spoke of his bond with 2008 premiership teammate Crawford - who was captain when Mitchell arrived at Hawthorn.
Watson opted to give his medal back after a Swiss court turned down an appeal by Watson and 33 other current and former Bombers of a drugs suspension handed down by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
1 comment
New User? Sign up