‘Control your ego’: Tigers skipper Trent Cotchin cops it for ‘trying too hard’ in faceplant loss

Trent Cotchin must “control his ego” and stop “trying too hard” after several contentious moments as his Tigers slumped to an awful loss to St Kilda, says Jonathan Brown.

The Richmond captain had 22 disposals, going at a poor 54.5 per cent efficiency, with three clearances in a horrendous team performance as his side kicked just two goals.

It marks a continued difficult campaign for Cotchin, who is averaging his lowest disposal count since 2009.

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But Brisbane great Brown argued the Brownlow medallist also needed to show more leadership after getting involved in a couple of scuffles with the Saints, showing his frustration amid a difficult night.

“It’s his lowest-rated year since 2009, but I’m more worried about his impact on the game,” Brown said post-game on Fox Footy.

“It’s almost like he’s trying too hard. He should wear the frustration and think, I’m the captain, I’ve got to get us back into the game, but it’s got to be that controlled aggression.

“You can’t tip over, you’ve got to control your ego … especially when your team’s back is to the wall.

“He’s got to be able to lead the players out of this hole they’re in at the moment.”

The loss puts Richmond at 7-7 and at risk of being replaced in the top eight by GWS and/or Essendon if those teams win their games later in Round 15.