Hurn is your captain. And his form has warranted his selection
I'd have no problem with Hurn being named captain based on form up until round 18 - he's had a brilliant year and could well be very deservedly raising the premiership cup in a couple of months. But your inability to appreciate the impact that Cotchin has on games of footy detracts from your otherwise pretty sound outlook on the game. Relying upon stats you can count while checking your fantasy footy scores as the main foundation for your stance is pretty flimsy to be honest.
Anyway, there's every chance that Richmond might only have one or two players in this year's AA, even if we win the flag. The media is digging deep trying to find some, but I just don't think the team playing style is set up to feature individual heroes. I wouldn't have Dusty in my AA best 22 - he had quite a flat couple of months through May and June. Cotchin would be on the fringe, Riewoldt would also be knocking on the door but like Cotch no certainty. Only really Alex Rance would be a definite at this stage, and even he hasn't been as spectacular this year as 2016 and 2017 - just that there's simply not five other defenders who have have been as creative, durable and miserly than him in 2018.
That said, if they picked a top 100 AA, Richmond would probably have a dozen players in it.