Trent Cotchin will retire at the end of the 2023 season, drawing the curtain on one of the great Richmond careers

RICHMOND'S triple-premiership captain Trent Cotchin will bow out of the AFL as a "transformative" and "towering" figure in the proud history of the Tigers.

The 33-year-old has announced his retirement at season's end, likely to be Richmond's round 24 game against Port Adelaide as the club looks set to miss the finals.

Cotchin is battling calf soreness and will sit out Sunday's clash with St Kilda, but is hoping to be available for the Tigers' final two games against North Melbourne and the Power.

After being drafted with pick No.2 in 2007, Cotchin has found his "life purpose" in playing 305 games for Richmond – the fourth-most appearances in club history.

The entire Tigers list, and most club staff, were present as Cotchin was joined by wife Brooke and their three children at Punt Road Oval on Thursday to confirm his retirement.