It’s already been a great week for the Richmond Tigers.

Their captain Trent Cotchin, has been cleared to play in Saturday’s grand final.

And star player ‘Dusty’ Martin is tipped as the hot favourite to take out tonight’s Brownlow medal.

Tiffanie Turnbull reports.

TRANSCRIPT

There’s an overwhelming feeling of relief in Tigerland today, after the Match Review Panel cleared Cotchin to play in Saturday’s grand final against the Adelaide Crows.

Cotchin was sent to the Tribunal over a hit on Giants opponent Dylan Shiel, which left the player concussed.

The panel found Cotchin was seeking to win possession as his line of direction was always towards the ball and the contact wasn’t unreasonable in the circumstances.

It was welcome news for the captain’s team mates.

Alex Rance, Tigers defender: “It’s not necessarily always super flashy stuff which you respect them for, but it’s those really hard, emotive moments that really make him the captain that he is.”

Tigers midfielder Brandon Ellis and the Crows Rory Sloane also have been cleared to play.

The good news for the Tigers keeps coming, with Dusty Martin not only tipped to claim his first Brownlow Medal but to beat the record vote tally of 35.

Martin has averaged 29.8 disposals each game, and scored 35 goals in only 24 matches.

Tigers fans are hoping their good luck continues into the grand final, the first Richmond has made in 35 years.

Tiffanie Turnbull, QUT News.