Cotchin has mixed AFL Brownlow thoughts

Richmond captain Trent Cotchin has admitted to mixed feelings about being awarded the 2012 AFL Brownlow Medal.

He will share the award with former Hawthorn star Sam Mitchell following Tuesday's landmark AFL Commission ruling.

Cotchin and Mitchell originally were runners-up to Essendon star Jobe Watson, but he has lost the Brownlow because of his doping ban stemming from the Bombers' supplements debacle.

"I accept the 2012 Brownlow Medal with mixed emotions," Cotchin said in a club statement.

"But I also respect the decision of the AFL Commission and the award that is the Brownlow Medal.

"This has been a difficult time for Jobe, but I have great respect for him, and the decision he made in very tough circumstances."

Tigers president Peggy O'Neal noted Cotchin had a strong 2012 season, winning the club's best-and-fairest award.

He also became Tigers' captain at the end of 2012.

"We are proud of Trent, he's a fine captain, player and person, and he is now Richmond's fifth Brownlow Medallist," she said.

Cotchin is the first Richmond Brownlow winner since Ian Stewart in 1971.