The 2012 Brownlow medallist initially thought this year would be his last in AFL ranks but has signed a one-year contract extension.
"The plan probably was not initially to go again," Cotchin told his club's website on Tuesday.
"But I think that changed for a number of reasons. One, my body, and also that you are a long time retired, I had that nagging away in the back of my head.
"Something that really came to fruition this year as well was the joy it brought my kids.
"Having that additional purpose of not just trying my best for me and for our team but also playing and really enjoying the journey of AFL footy and the Richmond Tigers (with them)."
The 32-year-old is a triple premiership skipper but stood down from the captaincy this season when he performed strongly, averaging 22.7 disposals a game.
"As you get closer to the end of your career, you don't know when it is going to come," he said.
"But I feel as though I contributed from a football point of view relatively well for the majority of the season."
If Cotchin plays at least 13 matches in 2023 he will become the sixth member of Richmond's 300-game club.
The club has already lost three multiple premiership winners to retirement this year - Shane Edwards, Kane Lambert and Josh Caddy.
Cotchin's fresh deal turns a focus onto his fellow triple premiership hero Jack Riewoldt, who is believed to be keen to continue but is yet to ink a contract for next season.
20°C