From the Heart

by Trent Cotchin

When Trent Cotchin was handed the reins of Richmond Football Club's team in 2013, he was a 22-year-old star, skilful and fearlessly hard at the ball. Coming off a Brownlow Medal-winning season, he embraced the captaincy and continued his quest to get the most out of himself for the benefit of the club. Yet by the end of 2016, Trent was suffering from serious self-doubt. The media and fans were circling, questioning the club's leadership and culture, demanding answers for their poor performance in finals. With nothing to lose and facing down his own fear of failure, Trent put himself on the line in a new way. He laid himself bare and asked his teammates to do the same. Vulnerability - a foreign word to tough footballers back then - gave the players an incredible connection that resulted in the 2017 premiership, breaking a 37-year drought. Trent went on to lead the team to two more flags in 2019 and 2020, cementing his place in Tiger history. Trent's personal journey involved doing the hard work to shift his focus from 'me' to 'we', abandoning the hunt for perfection in his own game for a more selfless - and ultimately more fulfilling - role. By leading with love and empathy, he brought out the best in those around him. With unflinching honesty and generosity, Trent shares the lessons he learnt in the hope that it will help others to live more authentically. This book is his legacy.

Genres: Biography

335 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2023

Reviews

[J.D · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this back-to-back against Jack Riewoldts’ autobiography which was a pretty interesting study in itself. Two players, same club, same era. Whereas Jacks was a somewhat typical footballer’s memoir, Trent’s was a very different premise. As a lifelong Tiger man I loved them both on the field, but I’d always thought Cotch’ a little too golly-gee personality wise. Hard and exceptionally skilful on the turf, media-trained and hackneyed off it. I’ll remind you of the title.
Did he let rip with this tome though. He really allowed the reader to get inside his head, and it was raw at times. Yes, he swooned over his love for the fam’ then seamlessly segues taking us into the change rooms and his darker demonic self that lies within. No punches pulled, it sits up with my most enjoyed AFL autobiography. A different cat from the norm, one with an esoteric bent. I mean depth. Thanks for the memories Cotch’. Thanks for the memoir.

[Richard Bowen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is so much more than a footy memoir.
Yes, Cotch tells the story of Richmond's climb up the AFL ladder, but the focus is on "how", not stats. It's a very personal narrative - as the reader I felt Cotch was inviting me into his head, into the team's psyche. He shared relatable insights and I'm sure I'll find myself reflecting on much of the content in future years. For example, the idea that the tide has to go fully out, to expose the rocks, before one can navigate a path forward. I'd not heard that idea previously, but it makes a lot of sense.
Every chapter was enjoyable. When you know the end point, there's no cliff-hangers, but I enjoyed reading a chapter or two, then reflecting on the content. For me, it's a book to savour.
Cotch has contributed to the Tiges winning footy games, but his writing tells the story of the bigger transition - how the footy Club returned to being something of which all Richmond supporters can be proud. Thanks Trent.

[Sarith G · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic read for any avid Richmond fan who has ridden the highs and lows of the late 2000s to the end of the dynasty era. I personally appreciated this book as Trent’s recount of the seasons and events in the club during that time, closely resonated with my childhood and growing up watching the tigers. This is an inspirational insight into what was happening in the four walls of the Richmond football club, and how a team who against all odds, backed their system, their coach and their leader to bring the club forward. Moreover, it is a fantastic memoir into the real priorities in life and how to really get the best out of yourself and to not lose yourself in the process. A very enjoyable and insightful read. Thank you Trent, not only for the heartfelt book, but also for making me believe in the impossible in all situations.

[Gab Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book just ticked so many boxes. Whether you’re a Richmond fan or not, it gives you a deep insight into how the success was created: an environment that promotes vulnerability and emotional intelligence at the forefront, with family and connection being the main factor.

Gosh, I am so glad we bought this for our Dad.

[Louisa Zanin · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s so interesting reading this book with an insiders perspective after having watched everything unfold from the outside. Cotchin has always been a beautiful person & this book confirms it.

[Lucy Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot more interesting than I thought it would be

[William McCall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great autobiography, able to re live the glory years and hear some juicy insights

[Allie · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a passionate Richmond supporter, this was a must read. Loved reliving the 3 premiership journeys. So many small moments that I remember so clearly when reminded. Was great to hear stories of other players and coaches. Not sure I learnt anything too new, but it was good to get Cotch's personal perspective on things. Should I read Jack's now to compare?

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sporting memoir, From The Heart (2023) by Trent Cotchin (with Glenn McFarlane) speaks of the doubts and vulnerability of a champion AFL footballer and Premiership Captain. Beginning with the tumultuous 2016 season, Trent’s honesty, integrity and humanity sparkle from the first page to its last. Divided into two sections, Doing and Being, each chapter begins with an inspirational context quote. Trent’s journey from a young hopeful footballer to the pinnacle of being a triple premiership captain is a journey well worth knowing. Trent has been an inspiration and his journey of growth and insight mirrors that of his football club, and its humanistic, successful culture. An engaging narrative revealing the mix of leadership with integrity to be your true self and being we rather than me as the basis for team success. With a clearly heartfelt rendering of life and sporting career, Trent Cotchin’s book is an exceptional revelation of a sporting great but an ordinary man with a four and a half stars read rating. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own, freely given and without inducement.

[Dennis Graf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beyond Trent's perfect front cover teeth, and ignoring that I am an avid Essendon supporter - this book was a thorough joy.
It is so rare for a career to go from the bottom of the ladder to the top of the ladder so perfectly - and win three premierships! - but on top of that, Trent captained his team through to success.
This book was a simply recount of that journey, highlighting the honest help and growth he sought along the way - humbly recounting each step of the way, given credit where credit was due.
An easy read, with some really important highlights of what makes good become great in the AFL world.
As a footy fan, I highly recommend.

[Aisha Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who was never a big footy fan, I must say that has changed. Trent Cotchin completely opened my eyes to the world of footy and just how intense the profession is. I must say, I have so much admiration for his journey and the obstacles he overcame to become a true and confident leader. If I wasn’t a footy fan before, you’ll catch me watching the games from now on!

[Chris Van Hoof · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trent tells his story without fear of judgement and gives insight into the human element of elite sportspeople. An enjoyable insight into the life of one of the games most endearing characters.

[Michael Tinkler · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good recount of an amazing journey, however, I is listened to this book and felt the narrator influenced my perception of some of the stories somewhat.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a footy fan it was a semi-interesting read, but I feel like this is really a book for the die-hard Richmond supporters who loved Cotch as their captain

[Todd Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It's great that Trent did things his way. Such an amazing player.

[Glenda Owen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very bland but very good to fall asleep to ! Some interesting sections particularly if you’re a Tigers fan

[Gary Simpson · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 rounded to 4.

Interesting insight to the modern AFL skipper. Not all rev 'em up rah rah rah, but a more personal look at a journey inside an intense profession sport.

[Janelle Cavarra · Rating 4 out of 5]

A true leader