Cotchin only returned to action two weeks ago after spending two months on the sidelines because of a hamstring tear.

But the inspirational skipper is again suffering hamstring soreness and has been ruled out of the Adelaide Oval clash with the Crows.

Richmond’s head of football Neil Balme says Cotchin isn’t troubled by the same hamstring problem which caused him to miss a seven-game stretch earlier in the season.

“He is just a bit sore in the hamstring, but it’s not the same (injury),” Balme told reporters at Melbourne Airport on Wednesday.

“I reckon if he hadn’t have had the problem before he would have played.

“The fact we’re playing on the Thursday makes it more difficult.

“If we had played on Saturday or Sunday (he may have played) but we won’t take the risk.”

The Tigers now have 16 players on their injured list although Brownlow medallist Dustin Martin is expected to play in Adelaide despite suffering a heavy knock last weekend.

Richmond could regain Nick Vlastuin and Brandon Ellis from injury for the round 13 game but David Astbury will miss another week because of a hamstring strain.

Only five Richmond players are yet to miss a game this season.

-AAP

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