One-Eyed Richmond Forum
Football => Richmond Rant => Topic started by: one-eyed on December 10, 2008, 06:25:04 PM
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I just caught the last bit of it but Mike was on 3aw just now and he said something like we are considering going to the AFL and moving Polak off the senior list a la Rama style if we get his and his management permission which would give us another pick in the PSD (pick 7) and pick up Cousins.
???
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Here's the link to the BF post.
http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?p=13225527#post13225527
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Ta HMH.
Healy just repeated this on 3aw. The AFL has sent a memo to all other 15 clubs in the last 10 minutes to get their opinion about our application to move Polak onto the mature rookie list a la Ramanaskus style. That would give us another PSD pick to use on Cousins. They mentioned also Nick Davis and Nathan Carroll but surely this is for Cousins if true. Mike reckons Wallace would want Cousins.
Healy also said when asked Gary March has said "no comment". They are trying to get someone from Richmond to talk.
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:santa :cheers
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http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24780995-661,00.html
It's made the HUN web-site ;D
Richmond clear way for Ben Cousins
Finn Bradshaw
December 10, 2008 06:24pm
BREAKING NEWS: RICHMOND has asked the AFL for permission to put Graham Polak on the rookie list, potentially clearing the way for them to draft Ben Cousins.
Polak is recovering from severe brain trauma after being hit by a tram during last season.
The Tigers have asked the AFL for permission to put him on the rookie list as a long-term injured player.
Essendon was allowed to do that with Adam Ramanauskas when he was recovering from cancer.
If Richmond was allowed to demote Polak it would get an extra pick in next Tuesday's Pre-season Draft.
It currently has pick No.6 in the draft.
If it had a second one, it would be the only club with a pick in the second round of the draft.
That would give the Tigers room to add fallen Eagle Cousins to their playing list.
The self-confessed drug addict appeared to be out of options for his AFL career after the Brisbane Lions declared they would not be drafting him before last month's AFL Draft.
The AFL has circulated the Tigers' request to the other AFL clubs for discussion ahead of next Monday's AFL Commission meeting where a decision will be made.
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Funny stuff - I have to say
I may have to eat humble pie :lol :rollin
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They said Richmond will be making a press statement in half an hour.
It has to be Cousins because if we were to pick up Davis or Carroll in the PSD supporters would burn down Punt Rd. The one thing it will do is make sure the MCG is packed out for round 1 - Cousins vs Judd. Moi and I have our $75 GF tickets already booked :lol.
The circus continues :-\.
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They'd need to allow 2 x mature age rookies on the list if they're considering putting Polak on the rookie list.
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Strange if true. This is only my opinion but I would imagine they would use the 2nd choice on another quality young player rather than cousins...but this rumour appears strong so it could have some truth to it. :-\
Stripes
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They'd need to allow 2 x mature age rookies on the list if they're considering putting Polak on the rookie list.
Hence us needing to ask permission from the other 15 clubs. Mature rookies didn't exist IIRC at the time when Rama was allowed permission to be one. 3aw saying our press statement will have us asking for permission based on compassion grounds.
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Bet he ends up at Essendon
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They said Richmond will be making a press statement in half an hour.
It has to be Cousins because if we were to pick up Davis or Carroll in the PSD supporters would burn down Punt Rd. The one thing it will do is make sure the MCG is packed out for round 1 - Cousins vs Judd. Moi and I have our $75 GF tickets already booked :lol.
The circus continues :-\.
Judd V Cuz
Cotch V Krezer
90,000 + Bookmark this
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Great Marketing move but lets get this correct
if we take Cousins
then Terry Wallace has no excuses
In the final year of his contract when we should have been continuing to rebuild
he would have had recruited for him
3 players from other clubs
Cousins
Thomson
and Hislop
If we dont make the 8 he is GONE! DONE & DUSTED!
There can be no excuses
No having said that let me just add that hopefully this comes of for the club and its a success, as for me
Im gonna sit on the fence. Theres way to many issues to be judged for a supporter to make a proper judgement.
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6PR in Perth are taking a call from Adrian Anderson
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Judd V Cuz
Cotch V Krezer
90,000 + Bookmark this
Yep sell out at our home game which also means Ch 7 goes live to air and huge tv ratings. Massive financial injection (excuse the pun).
Interesting to see if this helps signing a new major sponsor when other clubs have been detered by theirs.
Bet he ends up at Essendon
Yep that's a possibility. In fact I wouldn't be surprised now if one club (us) says yes to Cousins then others will now reconsider taking Cousins. You could throw Carlton in with the Bombers.
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3aw saying Adrian Anderson has said we have applied to the AFL.
Eddie and Collingwood may block it though. Eddie coming up on 3aw.
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Eddy wont support it !!
coming on 3aw
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Funny stuff this ... seriously :rollin
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Eddie said on 3aw Rama's case wasn't a precident. He questions why this wasn't done prior to the draft. He's sceptical about our motives and thinks we are using Polak's sitation to get Cousins and gain an advantnage over the other 15 clubs. He wants answers from the AFL and Richmond before making a decision.
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Funny stuff this ... seriously :rollin
Prease Exprain ?
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Eddie said on 3aw Rama's case wasn't a precident. He questions why this wasn't done prior to the draft. He's sceptical about our motives and thinks we are using Polak's sitation to get Cousins and gain an advantnage over the other 15 clubs. He wants answers from the AFL and Richmond before making a decision.
They had a chance to get Cousins and took advice from the boys (or lady that looks like a boy) in blue and decided to abandon their effort. Hope we stick it up Eddie. It's not that he's ever had a win with the rules in the past.
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Great Marketing move but lets get this correct
if we take Cousins
then Terry Wallace has no excuses
In the final year of his contract when we should have been continuing to rebuild
he would have had recruited for him
3 players from other clubs
Cousins
Thomson
and Hislop
If we dont make the 8 he is GONE! DONE & DUSTED!
There can be no excuses
No having said that let me just add that hopefully this comes of for the club and its a success, as for me
Im gonna sit on the fence. Theres way to many issues to be judged for a supporter to make a proper judgement.
Ramps I don't think anyone has a problem with that. Even those who think Wallace has done a good job rebuilding the list accept that the best option might be a fesh appointment at season's end. New challenges, players proving themselves again etc
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Eddie said on 3aw Rama's case wasn't a precident. He questions why this wasn't done prior to the draft. He's sceptical about our motives and thinks we are using Polak's sitation to get Cousins and gain an advantnage over the other 15 clubs. He wants answers from the AFL and Richmond before making a decision.
So is it as good as dead if Eddie says no?
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Eddie said on 3aw Rama's case wasn't a precident. He questions why this wasn't done prior to the draft. He's sceptical about our motives and thinks we are using Polak's sitation to get Cousins and gain an advantnage over the other 15 clubs. He wants answers from the AFL and Richmond before making a decision.
So is it as good as dead if Eddie says no?
I think they have to have unanimous agreement from all clubs, but I could be wrong.
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Richmond may throw Cousins a lifeline
Tim Clarke
December 10, 2008 - 5:42PM WST
Speculation is growing that Ben Cousins could be handed the latest of AFL lifelines by Terry Wallace and Richmond - if the AFL allows former Docker Graham Polak to be listed as a mature rookie.
With days left until next week's pre-season draft, Cousins' footballing future had appeared bleak, but there now seems a chance Wallace and the Tigers could be about to give Cousins another chance.
The AFL confirmed tonight it had received an application for special permission for the club to place Polak on the rookie list for the 2009 AFL season.
AFL Football Operations Manager Adrian Anderson said Richmond had written to the AFL today, seeking permission for Polak to be placed on its rookie list while he underwent continuing treatment and rehabilitation following his collision with a tram earlier this year.
"If the application is granted, Richmond has indicated it would exercise a second selection at next week's pre-season draft to replace Polak on the club's primary list," the statement said.
Mr Anderson said he had written to all AFL clubs today, Wednesday, to seek their views on Richmond's request, before the AFL Commission would be asked to make a ruling at its meeting in Melbourne next Monday, December 15.
Cousins' friend and 3AW football expert Gerard Healy said this afternoon that Richmond had requested that Polak be placed on a mature rookie list, in similar style to Adam Ramanauskas, who was granted the move while he recovered from cancer.
Polak is still recuperating from serious head injuries after being hit by a tram midway through last season.
"(It) appears to be on the cards given the clubs were contacted by the AFL for their stuff on whether Graham Polak can become a senior rookie," Healy said.
"That still has to be picked by a) Graham, b) his management and c) the AFL, but if that is the case
then pick seven has eventuated.
"If that does eventuate then there are a lot of people keen on Ben Cousins down at the Tigers including the coach, and Kevin Sheedy
but certainly where we did not think there was life in the issue
maybe it is on again."
Last month, Sheedy used the question-and-answer forum of a Tom Hafey Club dinner to question Richmond over its reluctance to consider recruiting Cousins.
In an animated exchange with football operations manager Craig Cameron, Sheedy told Cameron Hawthorn was rewarded this year for a gamble on Stuart Dew.
But Cameron was reported as saying said the former Eagle, who has admitted to an addiction to drugs, did not fit Richmond's recruiting policy and he would be a distraction.
Richmond are due to release a statement tonight.
http://www.watoday.com.au/sport/afl/richmond-may-throw-cousins-a-lifeline-20081210-6vsd.html
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Someone remind me why we couldn't just take Cousins with 6? Have we comitted that pick already?
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Someone remind me why we couldn't just take Cousins with 6? Have we comitted that pick already?
I think CC has said publicly we would use that pick on a junior.
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Someone remind me why we couldn't just take Cousins with 6? Have we comitted that pick already?
I think CC has said publicly we would use that pick on a junior.
Fair enough. Well lets tell the AFL and Eddie we plan to use pick 7 on a junior, not Cousins under any circumstances, and use 6 on Cousins :cheers
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Eddie said on 3aw Rama's case wasn't a precident. He questions why this wasn't done prior to the draft. He's sceptical about our motives and thinks we are using Polak's sitation to get Cousins and gain an advantnage over the other 15 clubs. He wants answers from the AFL and Richmond before making a decision.
So is it as good as dead if Eddie says no?
I think they have to have unanimous agreement from all clubs, but I could be wrong.
Yep it has to be unanimous as far as I'm aware.
They had a chance to get Cousins and took advice from the boys (or lady that looks like a boy) in blue and decided to abandon their effort. Hope we stick it up Eddie. It's not that he's ever had a win with the rules in the past.
Exactly. I didn't care about Cousins but the Pies and every other club didn't want him for whatever reason but now we have said yes suddenly it's some huge advantage. From what I've heard Polly won't play ever again and he's just on our list to help with his recovery by providing some motivation and being around with his mates training together. So what advantage are we gaining! Oh I forgot Eddie runs the AFL ::).
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Someone remind me why we couldn't just take Cousins with 6? Have we comitted that pick already?
I think CC has said publicly we would use that pick on a junior.
If we want say Kade Klemke we have to pick him up in the PSD as the Swannies get first dibs at him in the rookie draft being from NSW. Likewise if we want another kid yet think he'll go before our first rookie pick then we would have to pick them up in the PSD.
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I was the first to put my hand up and declare i dont want cousins but the more i hear eddie crap on about this, the more im starting to warm to the idea.
Actually it i like it.
stuff.k off eddie cousins is coming home baby
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From what I've heard Polly won't play ever again and he's just on our list to help with his recovery by providing some motivation and being around with his mates training together. So what advantage are we gaining! Oh I forgot Eddie runs the AFL ::).
No advantage, MT
We're disadvantaged by having him on the list, but good on the club for having a heart unlike some creeps.
I wonder if Eddie will get the support of the other clubs. I sincerely hope not :banghead
Not that I want Ben all that much, but it's infuriating Eddie would behave like this.
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For the first time in history I agree with daniel161
I didn't want Cousins, but if it's going to pee off Eddie and Collingwood then bring it on
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For the first time in history I agree with daniel161
I didn't want Cousins, but if it's going to pee off Eddie and Collingwood then bring it on
Agree, the Cousins bit is irrelevant now. It's time to serve Eddie a plate of get stuffed with a side order of up your arse.
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If Cousins gets picked up by us ill personally go and welcome him in myself then ill zip over to lexus centre with my new "such is Life tattoo on my chest"
Macguire is a complete and utter stuffhead, simple as that.
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Funny stuff this ... seriously :rollin
Prease Exprain ?
Nothing sinister.. I just think it's funny, the whole drawn out melodramatic soap opera that it is ;D
Benny was going to Collingwood,
Then Comm Nixon says "don't do it Eddie" and the Pies say we aint interested
Ricky Nixon sooks and says "give the lad a go"
St Kilda says we want him, Nick Del Saonto faces the media says we cant wait til Benny gets to the Saints, that night their board says "no Benny for us" after their main sponsor says no way folks
Brisbane's Voss says I want him and then just before the draft they "er no Benny for us thanks"
Ricky Nixon then gets on the TV and radio sooking about how Benny's been treated by the entire "AFL family"
then we have some stupid woman from the players association saying this whole thing is a circus and we are dealing with a person.... well doh
Ricky Nixon sooks again
While all this is going on Benny says nuffink, when perhaps he should actually bloody say something, anything
Now we have tonight's events...
Where Eddie just had to come out sooking which sure beats listening to Ricky Nixon whaling & sooking
Should Richmond pick him up.... personally I am not fussed either way
Whatever happens; happens but lets just get on with it.
If you don't laugh.... :whistle
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I was the first to put my hand up and declare i dont want cousins but the more i hear eddie crap on about this, the more im starting to warm to the idea.
Daniel the above is one of your best efforts :thumbsup
;D
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A West Coast supporter on 6PR said he'd jump ship and support the Tiges if Ben came here lol
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From the Age including Richmond's statement in bold
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Tigers poised for move on Cousins
December 10, 2008 - 7:50PM
Richmond are making a late and audacious bid to recruit troubled AFL star Ben Cousins in next week's pre-season draft.
The Tigers have sent a request to the AFL for special permission to have injured defender Graham Polak placed on their rookie list, opening up a second pick at next Tuesday's draft.
It is understood the request has been made to clear the way for the Tigers to resuscitate self-confessed drug addict Cousins' return to the game after the former West Coast superstar was deregistered by the AFL last year.
It appears Richmond have made a commitment already to a player for their first pick and need the second in order to be able to select Cousins.
Polak hasn't played for the Tigers since he was struck by a tram in Melbourne in June this year.
The 24-year-old suffered bruising on his brain and was placed in an induced coma after the incident.
Since then he has begun a long recovery process and the AFL confirmed on Wednesday they had received a written request from the Tigers for him to be placed on their rookie list as his rehabilitation continued.
AFL football operations manager Adrian Anderson said in a statement he had been in touch with the other 15 AFL clubs to canvas their views on the request.
A decision will be made when the AFL Commission votes at its next meeting on Monday, December 15 - the day before the draft.
Speculation was rife on Wednesday night that 30-year-old Cousins, the 2005 Brownlow medallist, could be bound for Punt Road.
The AFL ruled before the national draft earlier this month that Cousins was free to attempt a comeback.
But, in the week before the draft, St Kilda and Brisbane ruled out recruiting Cousins, while Collingwood had done likewise a month earlier.
Richmond's highly unusual last ditch attempt will continue Cousins' controversial bid to resume his career.
Richmond were contacted on Wednesday night but declined to comment directly on Cousins.
But, in a statement, the club said: "The Richmond Football Club confirms that it wrote to the AFL seeking permission for Graham Polak to be placed on the rookie list for 2009, under compassionate grounds.
"The application was made with the full support of Polak, in the knowledge that he is still undertaking extensive rehabilitation after suffering an acquired brain injury earlier this year.
"The Richmond Football Club does not want to preempt the decision of (the) AFL commission and as such will not be making comment about potential draft selections until a decision is handed down next Monday."
© 2008 AAP
http://news.theage.com.au/sport/tigers-poised-for-move-on-cousins-20081210-6vss.html
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6PR are getting emails saying lots will support Richmond if he comes here.
They're peeed off that the Eagles didn't support him, so they'd go and support us instead.
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Can tell ya, got a bit excited when I heard all this on SEN on the way to work.
Eddie being 'Eddie' would make it all the better ! Really when you think about it, it is crazy no one has picked him up. :santa
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6PR are getting emails saying lots will support Richmond if he comes here.
They're peeed off that the Eagles didn't support him, so they'd go and support us instead.
Could be good for membership.
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6PR are getting emails saying lots will support Richmond if he comes here.
They're peeed off that the Eagles didn't support him, so they'd go and support us instead.
Could be good for membership.
WA have allways had a good Tiger supporter base anyway, may get even better. :santa
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Nooooooo!!!!
Has anyone from the club actually confirmed that we are going to take Cousins or is it all heresay? Decent of the club to want to put Polak on the long term injury list. There isn't a chance there's a smokey in the psd? Apart from one lying, arrogant, hairless drug addict.
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Nooooooo!!!!
Has anyone from the club actually confirmed that we are going to take Cousins or is it all heresay? Decent of the club to want to put Polak on the long term injury list. There isn't a chance there's a smokey in the psd? Apart from one lying, arrogant, hairless drug addict.
I'm with you Julz. I agree with daniel's sentiments - I would love to stick it to Eddie, but would much rather us get permission to demote Polak, watch and listen to Eddie stew and bitch and whinge, then take a kid anyway, telling the whole football world in the end that there is no place or tolerance for drugs of any type in sport. But sadly, I think we might be a bit more mercenary than that.
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6PR are getting emails saying lots will support Richmond if he comes here.
They're peeed off that the Eagles didn't support him, so they'd go and support us instead.
they only want to be supporting a team that finishs in the top 8 and not a bottom 3 side again biggest bunch of loosers going around
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6PR are getting emails saying lots will support Richmond if he comes here.
They're peeed off that the Eagles didn't support him, so they'd go and support us instead.
Could be good for membership.
i'm with you. if this comes off and we give cousins a lifeline. i reckon we'll get alot of positive media for giving cousins a go. membership would go up and round 1 v carlton would be a sell out game. (our home game by the way....great for revenue)
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Always said get him.
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If this happens, that we do select Cousins, then that tells you something about the influence of Kevin Sheedy doesn't it, irrespective of the rightness or the wrongness of the decision.
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Meh.
I cannot wait until the PSD is over.
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Richmond were contacted on Wednesday night but declined to comment directly on Cousins.
But, in a statement, the club said: "The Richmond Football Club confirms that it wrote to the AFL seeking permission for Graham Polak to be placed on the rookie list for 2009, under compassionate grounds.
"The application was made with the full support of Polak, in the knowledge that he is still undertaking extensive rehabilitation after suffering an acquired brain injury earlier this year.
"The Richmond Football Club does not want to preempt the decision of (the) AFL commission and as such will not be making comment about potential draft selections until a decision is handed down next Monday."
In the past few weeks we have come out straight away and directly said no when the media have linked us to Cousins but now all of a sudden it's we're making no comment. Unless Craig Cameron comes out today and repeats his no stance then you'd presume we've done a 180 degree turn on Cousins. Who said Wallace and Sheeds couldn't agree :whistle.
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Rival clubs to oppose Richmond's draft bid
Damian Barrett | December 11, 2008
AFL clubs are expected to oppose Richmond's request for a special draft concession that would effectively allow it to add Ben Cousins to its main playing list.
Yesterday the Tigers formally asked the AFL for special permission to place Graham Polak, badly injured after being hit by a tram, on their rookie list for the 2009 season.
If successful, Richmond would have two selections at Tuesday's pre-season draft, the second of which it is strongly considering using on Cousins.
The Tigers board discussed Polak's situation two days ago, including the opening that could be created for Cousins.
At least three clubs, one of them Collingwood, were last night preparing to oppose the Tigers' request if it meant Cousins would be selected.
They argue that if Richmond wants Cousins, it should be forced to use the selection it already has in the pre-season draft, not via a pick to compensate for Polak.
The Herald Sun believes a medical report on Polak lists several conditions that will prevent him playing competitive football for a long time.
The AFL last night confirmed the Tigers' request, which is attempting to use as a precedent Essendon's permission to rookie-list cancer sufferer Adam Ramanauskas.
AFL football operations manager Adrian Anderson said Richmond was seeking the right to place Polak on its rookie list while he continued treatment and rehabilitation for the shocking injuries he suffered when hit by the tram.
The AFL Commission will meet on Monday to decide Richmond's request.
As always with the commission, it has the power to make whatever decision it sees fit, regardless of outside opinion and stuff.
Polak has contributed to the Tigers' submission to the AFL, writing that he has been grateful for the club's support since his accident.
He has said his place on the club's list would be better filled by a player fully equipped to play competitively.
Collingwood strongly considered drafting Cousins before deciding against it, as did St Kilda and Brisbane.
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sport/afl/story/0,26576,24783559-19742,00.html
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Graham Polak rookie bid draws mixed reaction
Jon Ralph | December 11, 2008
RICHMOND'S bid to transfer Graham Polak to its rookie list has drawn mixed reactions from rival clubs suspicious of its timing and motives.
The Tigers alerted the AFL to the move yesterday after a board meeting believed to have been on Tuesday night.
Most clubs have responded positively to Polak's plight and Essendon yesterday supported the Tigers' action.
But Collingwood president Eddie McGuire wondered aloud whether Richmond was using sympathy for Polak, who was hit by a tram in June, to get another pre-season pick.
McGuire said on 3AW last night the Tigers should have lodged a submission on the issue before the national draft on November 29.
"Maybe I am getting old and cynical . . . I will want some answers about why this wasn't done before the draft so everyone knew what was going on. There are a lot of question marks," McGuire said.
"We have had a long time to think about Ben Cousins and any player with an ongoing injury. These things should have been discussed before the national draft.
"We just have to remember the Adam Ramanauskas case was a one-off. It wasn't a precedent. It was in totally different circumstances."
Essendon broke new ground when it successfully argued to have Ramanauskas, who had cancer, put on the club's 2007 rookie list.
Essendon chief executive Peter Jackson last night said the club supported Richmond's move. "It is a more than reasonable decision. It is about common sense and we fully support it," he said.
"After what happened with Adam Ramanauskas, it is only right that Graham Polak should be afforded the same opportunities."
Carlton last night supported the decision in principle, but was concerned about its effect on pre-season draft order.
Blues chief executive Greg Swann said yesterday the club approved of Polak being given special dispensation.
Richmond has the sixth pick in the pre-season draft and would be given the seventh, and last, if its request is approved.
"We have no issue with them doing it, it's just we are not sure they should get a second pick in the pre-season draft," Swann said.
"Should they get a nominated rookie, or another pick in the pre-season draft?"
Swann said Melbourne might be directly affected, with the Blues not far behind.
"If you give Richmond another pick, they might pick a bloke that Melbourne wanted in the rookie draft and maybe that isn't fair.
"Then again is a pre-season pick the only way for them to have a full list?
"We need to discuss it before we lodge our submission."
Geelong chief executive Brian Cook said the club's football department would discuss its submission today.
"It's probably in line with the Adam Ramanauskas situation, but we don't know enough yet to decide either way," he said.
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sport/afl/story/0,26576,24783561-19742,00.html
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Richmond clears way for Ben Cousins
Michael Sheahan | December 11, 2008
RICHMOND could give Ben Cousins a lifeline to play in the AFL again.
Just when it seemed all over, the Tigers last night emerged as potential saviours.
They are pushing for an extra selection at Tuesday's pre-season draft, which may be the fallen Brownlow medallist's last chance for 2009.
If the AFL agrees to Richmond's request to place injured defender Graham Polak on the rookie list - with Polak's approval - the Tigers will get an extra pick: the seventh and last in the pre-season draft.
Richmond coach Terry Wallace told the Herald Sun last night: "I can confirm an application has been lodged . . . to place Graham Polak on the rookie list, but we can't say anything else because we can't pre-empt what the AFL Commission will or won't do."
Wallace would not comment on 30-year-old Cousins, but sources say he is warming to the idea of giving him the chance to persuade the Tigers he is worth the risk.
Polak, who was seriously injured when hit by a tram in September, is believed to have accepted that his chances of playing next year are slim.
He is believed to have encouraged the Tigers' football department to act in the best interests of the club.
Richmond's attitude to Cousins will be decided as soon as the AFL responds.
If the commission agrees to the request - as it did in the case of Essendon's Adam Ramanauskas while he recovered from cancer - the Tigers look certain to explore the idea of giving the former West Coast star a chance.
It would be a huge risk, one none of the other 15 clubs is prepared to take, but the potential upside is also huge.
Cousins would have to meet stringent conditions but, given his position, he can be expected to gleefully agree.
The 2005 Brownlow medallist and recovering drug addict couldn't expect more than a one-year contract on modest money, but the terms and conditions have become secondary since he faced the reality his career might be over.
Despite reports of divisions on Cousins at Punt Rd, the lure of a one-time top-10 player has to be enticing for a club that finished ninth this year.
The possibility of grabbing Cousins surfaced during recent days as Richmond and Polak came to the realisation his recovery was going to take longer than hoped.
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24782747-661,00.html
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Herald-Sun photoshop job
(http://www.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,,6393932,00.jpg)
It's frontpage news btw
(http://www.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,,6393879,00.jpg)
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but would much rather us get permission to demote Polak, watch and listen to Eddie stew and bitch and whinge, then take a kid anyway, telling the whole football world in the end that there is no place or tolerance for drugs of any type in sport.
That would be funny, I would get a real good laugh out of that
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With the picture of Cousins clowning around in our guernsy. It really show that he would have no trouble in finding a vein to shoot up.
I don't want he and I have said it from day one, no to him.
I honestly hope that this is just talk and thats as far as it goes.
I know I would never throw away my membership over it but I know I will hope he gets injured when he walks out on the park each and every time.
Their is no other player that does not deserve to play agian, and he is it. :banghead :banghead TROUBLE. :banghead :banghead
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Yeah I agree with Bushranger.
Remember on OER when Diggler or Laff were always tearing up their membership cards .....
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6PR are getting emails saying lots will support Richmond if he comes here.
They're peeed off that the Eagles didn't support him, so they'd go and support us instead.
Sheedy is a genius.
40k members here we come!!!
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SEN had Greg Miller just on.
Greg believes all clubs should back Polak going onto the mature rookie list.
Greg had received regular updates on Cousins all year.
Ricky Nixon has told him there's still a few clubs interested.
There's some article in the West Australian today which says Ben has been more proactive behind the scenes with clubs recently. I'll see if there's a online link to it.
Greg reckons Richmond has the ability and resources at the club to handle Cousins and his situation. Terry a strong upfront leader plus Kane Johnson and Browny.
Cousins had some issues 5-6 months ago but things are okay now. He's worth the punt and Greg believes Cousins won't let you down.
Essendon are supporting our application because we strongly supported Rama's application. Richmond will be telling other clubs this to put pressure on them.
Jim Stynes basically said Melbourne will be supporting our Polak application.
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Can tell ya, got a bit excited when I heard all this on SEN on the way to work.
Eddie being 'Eddie' would make it all the better ! Really when you think about it, it is crazy no one has picked him up. :santa
yep..
come to papa benny.
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Ok there is no way Eddie should be able to get away with this. Who we use the pick on or if we use the pick has nothing to do with the issue of putting Polak on the rookie list. Did anybody ask who the Dons were getting for Ramma ??
Come on AFL ,do what right for Polok and the club that has kept him on even when he is unlikly to play.
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No one from the Club will come on SEN to talk to KB. I agree with KB - it means we are interested in Cousins otherwise we would come out and deny it like we had all along. The news said Terry was originally against recruiting Cousins but he has changed his mind recently.
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I must be getting old and cynical too Eddie. This whinge is a nice diversion from having to face up to questions about losing $8m over those two hotels after the Collingwood board failed doing "due diligence" :whistle.
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Patrick Smith was on with KB and said what we are asking is draft tampering ::). Cheats don't go through official channels and ask the AFL and the other 15 clubs for permission Patrick :wallywink. Poor Patrick said you can't change the draft rules. I must have missed Carlton getting Judd despite us offering the Eagles better picks because the AFL made sure he went to his preferred club. Or how about the AFL shifting the draft order in 2002 after trade week when Carlton got caught cheating so we ended up unknowningly trading pick 2 instead of pick 4. Or how about the priority pick and father-son rules changing all the time. Draft rules are changed Patrick if circumstances arise that need a change of the rules :wallywink.
I laughed at the rumour by some caller from Echuca that Cousins will sue Collingwood in 2-3 weeks time for break of contract. It's crap but geez that would be hilarious karma if it was true given Eddie's sook last night.
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I must be getting old and cynical too Eddie. This whinge is a nice diversion from having to face up to questions about losing $8m over those two hotels after the Collingwood board failed doing "due diligence" :whistle.
More than just that MT. McGuire is all negative now because he knows the AFL wants Cousins placed at a team and by being negative Eddie knows the AFL will come to him and see what it will take for Collingwood to support the plan. Have I told you how much I hate that club?
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I must be getting old and cynical too Eddie. This whinge is a nice diversion from having to face up to questions about losing $8m over those two hotels after the Collingwood board failed doing "due diligence" :whistle.
More than just that MT. McGuire is all negative now because he knows the AFL wants Cousins placed at a team and by being negative Eddie knows the AFL will come to him and see what it will take for Collingwood to support the plan. Have I told you how much I hate that club?
LOL join the queue Gracie ;D. I forgot it's only good for the game if it's good for Collingwood :sleep.
I wonder if Eddie would be so against this if a certain two drunken Collingwood players hadn't been able to walk away so luckily from a car crash and the Pies wanted to seek an application to have them placed on the rookie list.
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Patrick Smith was on with KB and said what we are asking is draft tampering ::). Cheats don't go through official channels and ask the AFL and the other 15 clubs for permission Patrick :wallywink. Poor Patrick said you can't change the draft rules. I must have missed Carlton getting Judd despite us offering the Eagles better picks because the AFL made sure he went to his preferred club. Or how about the AFL shifting the draft order in 2002 after trade week when Carlton got caught cheating so we ended up unknowningly trading pick 2 instead of pick 4. Or how about the priority pick and father-son rules changing all the time. Draft rules are changed Patrick if circumstances arise that need a change of the rules :wallywink.
I laughed at the rumour by some caller from Echuca that Cousins will sue Collingwood in 2-3 weeks time for break of contract. It's crap but geez that would be hilarious karma if it was true given Eddie's sook last night.
Im sick of it mate. The pies and their crap. I just hope teams like Port and Blues who have a frosty relationship with Eddie will support us.
Last year with Judd and the blues. Where does Judds mum work?? Ooh thats right at Visy cash under the table boards.
When it concerns the Pies or Blues its fine, sweep it under the carpet, but FFS we are doing something also for Graham polak which people forget.
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Bold bid to make Cousins a Tiger in 2009
11th December 2008, 7:45 WST
A desperate attempt by Ben Cousins to show his rehabilitation from drug addiction is on track and his remorse may yet pay dividends after the veterans draft saga took a dramatic late twist yesterday.
Richmonds application to have injured Graham Polak put on the clubs rookie list on compassionate grounds could give the Tigers a second pick in Tuesdays AFL preseason draft that in turn could revive Cousins stellar 238-game career.
Strong Cousins supporter and former West Coast chairman Murray McHenry is now confident the 30-year-old will play in the AFL in 2009.
And while McHenry still believes the right place for Cousins is at the Eagles, he concedes that is unlikely and said he would happily adopt Richmond as his second club if Cousins found a home there.
The Tigers application for Polak, who nearly died from head injuries after being hit by a tram this year, falls under the same criteria as that granted to Essendon last season to allow cancer sufferer Adam Ramanauskas to continue in the game.
It was submitted to the league yesterday, then passed on to the other 15 clubs for their views before a final determination on Monday ahead of the pre-season draft.
Significantly, the Tigers, who all but ruled Cousins out of pre-season draft calculations before this shock development, were unprepared last night to draw a line through his name if they were granted two picks.
McHenry believes the attitude to Cousins has warmed markedly because the champion midfielder has made the effort to convince major football stakeholders he is serious about his drug rehabilitation.
There has been some very strong movement behind the scenes from people and particularly in the eyes of Richmond I cant tell you who that is, he said.
McHenry declined to name him but it is understood that former Essendon coach Kevin Sheedy has met Cousins and has lobbied hard for the Tigers to recruit him.
It is now thought Sheedy has Richmond coach Terry Wallaces support.
There has been a hell of a lot of work going on behind the scenes, mentoring and that sort of stuff, McHenry said.
And I think what Ben has done in the past few weeks is get off his arse and instead of saying why didnt you call, he is doing the calling.
He is presenting himself, he has had meetings with a number of people.
He has talked about the future, he has talked about the past very briefly to talk about the hurt that it has caused, not only to himself but his family, his football club, his supporters, everybody.
He has probably for the first time shown a strong level of remorse. He has done that on his own and he has done it to a number of the major stakeholders.
McHenry said Cousins bid included attempts for meetings with AFL bosses Andrew Demetriou and Mike stuff to plead his case.
He has tried to meet with Andrew and Mike in Melbourne and that is yet to happen, but he has called them personally and left messages on their phones and asked for an audience, McHenry said.
He has finally done that. It has been good for him and the people he has done it to have said hang on a minute, maybe he has learnt some lessons. Maybe he is going to do the right thing.
If Cousins becomes a Tiger, the round-12 clash against West Coast in Melbourne would become one of the most anticipated matches of the 2009 season.
McHenry maintained that the AFL was obligated to ensuring Cousins played on compassionate grounds.
http://www.thewest.com.au/default.aspx?MenuID=4&ContentID=112598
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Here's the 3aw audio of Healy, Russell and Mike last night breaking the story:
http://www.3aw.com.au/displayPopUpPlayerAction.action?&url=http://media.mytalk.com.au/3AW/AUDIO/101208_CousinsRichmond.wma (http://www.3aw.com.au/displayPopUpPlayerAction.action?&url=http://media.mytalk.com.au/3AW/AUDIO/101208_CousinsRichmond.wma)
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The AFL Commission will meet on Monday to decide Richmond's request.
As always with the commission, it has the power to make whatever decision it sees fit, regardless of outside opinion and stuff.
I was under the impression we needed the other 15 clubs to agree for Polly to be classed as a mature rookie ???. If the AFL commission has the power to make the decision themselves then Eddie doesn't have a leg to stand on.
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The purpose of these reports was to garner opposing support from clubs not to try and factually report it which is what they tried to do. You'll notice in one of them the only team mentioned was Collingwood. There may very well be more now but at the time of that one's writing there wasn't. McGuire using his press lines.
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Whatever your thoughts on Cousins, you'd have to agree that this is a very clever political move by the club.
:gotigers
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I think that you are so right and in another post it said that it would give idiot Smith heap of air time or something like that so it will help our sponsors to with him and what is going on. Not that I agree with what is going on though.
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The purpose of these reports was to garner opposing support from clubs not to try and factually report it which is what they tried to do. You'll notice in one of them the only team mentioned was Collingwood. There may be very well more now but at the time of that one's writting there wasn't. McGuire using his press lines.
That's right Roger, Damian Barrett knows where his bread is buttered :wallywink
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Marketing wise its been a brilliant move. 3 clubs are looking for a sponsor, but 1 club will be getting the big publicity over the next few weeks. A smart company would be signing with us and making an announcement at a Monday Press conference, that would be attended by all and sundry- coz theyd expect a Cousins type announcement.
Then on Tuesday we draft cousins. So Tuesday we are in the media. Wednesday the media will have to report on what happened ... Theres hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of publicity in this, today alone idiot Smith executives would be drinking scotch because they got there logo on the front page of the papers lol.
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Marketing wise its been a brilliant move. 3 clubs are looking for a sponsor, but 1 club will be getting the big publicity over the next few weeks. A smart company would be signing with us and making an announcement at a Monday Press conference, that would be attended by all and sundry- coz theyd expect a Cousins type announcement.
Then on Tuesday we draft cousins. So Tuesday we are in the media. Wednesday the media will have to report on what happened ... Theres hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of publicity in this, today alone idiot Smith executives would be drinking scotch because they got there logo on the front page of the papers lol.
Especially when they have photo shoot of Cousins putting on the jumper for the first time
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The AFL Commission will meet on Monday to decide Richmond's request.
As always with the commission, it has the power to make whatever decision it sees fit, regardless of outside opinion and stuff.
I was under the impression we needed the other 15 clubs to agree for Polly to be classed as a mature rookie ???. If the AFL commission has the power to make the decision themselves then Eddie doesn't have a leg to stand on.
The report on the AFL website says that the clubs have been asked for their views before a commission vote. Nothing about the clubs having any say.
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The AFL website is giving Sheeds the credit:
Sheedy-led Tigers late bolters in Cousins race
By Luke Holmesby
2:44 PM Thu 11 December, 2008
RICHMOND may be a late entry in the race for former Eagle Ben Cousins after a push from club ambassador and former Essendon coach Kevin Sheedy.
Full article at:
http://www.afl.com.au/News/NEWSARTICLE/tabid/208/Default.aspx?newsId=70784
And here's more of what Miller said this morning...
Tigers right fit for Cousins, says Miller
By Jason Phelan
Thu 11 December, 2008
FORMER Richmond director of football Greg Miller believes both the Tigers and Ben Cousins would benefit should the fallen champion be offered a lifeline by the Punt Road club.
Miller urged the AFL Commission to accept the Tigers' bid to rookie list injured defender Graham Polak, which could pave the way for Richmond to have a second pick at the pre-season draft.
Full article at:
http://www.afl.com.au/News/NEWSARTICLE/tabid/208/Default.aspx?newsId=70776
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I must be getting old and cynical too Eddie. This whinge is a nice diversion from having to face up to questions about losing $8m over those two hotels after the Collingwood board failed doing "due diligence" :whistle.
I have some questions for fatboy eddie.
Why did they cover the fact didak was driving ?
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I will agree with what happen as they have got their fingers closer to the pulse thah I have. But I will still say I don't like it. But I will go along with the ruling the club makes, as I know they would never do anything to harm the team or sponsors.
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Collingwood, St Kilda, Brisbane etc are happy not to risk taking him but at the same time they don't want to be playing him either. Eddie doesn't want Cousins to play again, succeed and make his club and administration look like the idiots they are.
The other clubs may oppose the decision because they don't want the Tiger to gain any benefits over their clubs but in the end they do not have the final say. The argument about the suspicious timing is irrelevant as if we had of done it earlier, ie before the National Draft, we would have had an addition choice in that draft or another choice in the PSD which is now all we will can get. So the timing issue is just smoke and mirrors by the other clubs to stop us gaining any potential benefits.
Stripes
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Eddie is for Eddie.
he is just teary we have come up with this and not them
The only thing I can think of and it may save us is the fact teams dislike Eddie so much that they may take our side.
I can see the blues would support us, along with the Bombers and Port. The others are a hit and miss.
What a stuffin smokescreen Eddie has performed here. Covering up his clubs dismal performance with their investments.
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Ch 10 news said Wallace has met with Cousins and his manager Ricky Nixon today in Albert Park.
Sheeds has been the one pushing this.
They tried to get comments from our boys as they walked into Punt Rd and everyone (Jack, Postie, Simmo) said no comment until Sarge couldn't resist and said Cousins is still a top player :wallywink.
Kennett said Hawthorn will support our application. Ch 10 seemed to think the other clubs will support it too. Not sure if they meant a majority of clubs or all.
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Good old Spud says we should go after Cousins.
http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,24785113-23210,00.html
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Is the RFC Carlton game round 1 a home game or an away game?
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Marketing wise its been a brilliant move. 3 clubs are looking for a sponsor, but 1 club will be getting the big publicity over the next few weeks. A smart company would be signing with us and making an announcement at a Monday Press conference, that would be attended by all and sundry- coz theyd expect a Cousins type announcement.
Then on Tuesday we draft cousins. So Tuesday we are in the media. Wednesday the media will have to report on what happened ... Theres hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of publicity in this, today alone idiot Smith executives would be drinking scotch because they got there logo on the front page of the papers lol.
Especially when they have photo shoot of Cousins putting on the jumper for the first time
LMAO...imagine if the Cousins thing is a big bluff and all the sponsors get is a photo shoot of Kade Klemke putting on the jumper for the first time. :lol
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Ch 10 news said Wallace has met with Cousins and his manager Ricky Nixon today in Albert Park.
Sheeds has been the one pushing this.
They tried to get comments from our boys as they walked into Punt Rd and everyone (Jack, Postie, Simmo) said no comment until Sarge couldn't resist and said Cousins is still a top player :wallywink.
Kennett said Hawthorn will support our application. Ch 10 seemed to think the other clubs will support it too. Not sure if they meant a majority of clubs or all.
Quartermain just said the AFL is now likely to approve our application and Cousins will be a Tiger on Tuesday.
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Is the RFC Carlton game round 1 a home game or an away game?
its a home game.
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Is the RFC Carlton game round 1 a home game or an away game?
its a home game.
We share gate receipts with the Bluesers any way from memory.
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The way I see it Why not?
Bona Fide champion midfielder. Won't cost much and has the burning ambition to succeed after what he has done. People who get on their high horse and say this and say that about him fair enough but all people deserve a second chance and if its with us so be it. It's a punt either way. If he goes to some other team and blitzes and we are 4-10 with Wallace going out the door I am sure some posters here will be making an about face, and don't tell me those who don't want him at the club now won't be cheering if we win in any games he plays in. Bring it on.
Pee of Eddie Pee of the Pies. :clapping :lol
And no excuses for the club if we fail on field next year its as simple as that.
Massive repercussions for the board and the coaches but so be it. If stability and success come from a "controversial" selection such as this then great. Just lets not compare it to a Stuart Dew selection as Ben is a champion Stewart Dew was a player who was at the right place at the right time.
Go Tigers :thumbsup
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This is fantastic news IMO.
He should be made to prove that his rehab is complete - I don't mind if he doesn't line up week 1 and if he spends up to 6 weeks with Coburg. But at the end of the day if he works hard he deserves another chance.
TBH I think it is better for Polak to be out of the spotlight in 2009 as well.
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Eddie is the biggest manipulator of the truth.
I can remember on TFS a week or so after Schulz blew a bag he was on is high horse saying drink drivers don't belong in society and such as they are a danger to it merely because I think Ray Shaw's daughter was tragically injured by a drunk driver.
Yet we know about Didak and Shaw
What about retiring the number 42 permanently at the Lexus Centre. Darren Millane
127 games nothing earth shattering there
Oh yes and he died running into the back of a truck 6 times over the legal limit.
Double standards.
If its not in Collingwood's interests then it shouldn't be in anybodies interests.
Oh yes who of any note have they recruited recently that they have chased.
Cousins :whistle
Judd :lol
Jonathon Brown :lol
If Ben plays when we play those Skunks I hope he is BOG that night in a victory to the Tiges. :bow
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I understand what everyone is saying but hasn't he had his second chance.
When he done a total body hair removal knowing that he was going to be tested that day, and he done that wasn't that a chance.
I don't know if he done it to be a smart arse or if he doone it to hide something. Only he would know that.
But if he come to us then let it be, I'm not going to be one that backs him. He has a hell of a lot of work to prove that he is being honest.
And I hope that if he fails once he is given a fulltime ban. And I that I'm not hoping for him to fail. I mean if he fails a test.
Then it would have to be come down on him hard.
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I agree if he fails a drug test then come down hard on him
however he has not failed a drug test as we know it.
By the way it would not be his second chance this is his third so too right to give him the boot and boot him hard.
Chance 1 March 2007
Chance 2 Sep 2007
Chance 3 would be this opportunity
I hope he succeeds whether he ultimately ends up with us or not.
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I stand corrected. And thanks for letting me know about that to, as I didn't know.
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There has been a hell of a lot of work going on behind the scenes, mentoring and that sort of stuff, McHenry said.
And I think what Ben has done in the past few weeks is get off his behind and instead of saying why didnt you call, he is doing the calling.
He is presenting himself, he has had meetings with a number of people.
He has talked about the future, he has talked about the past very briefly to talk about the hurt that it has caused, not only to himself but his family, his football club, his supporters, everybody.
He has probably for the first time shown a strong level of remorse. He has done that on his own and he has done it to a number of the major stakeholders.
McHenry said Cousins bid included attempts for meetings with AFL bosses Andrew Demetriou and Mike stuff to plead his case.
He has tried to meet with Andrew and Mike in Melbourne and that is yet to happen, but he has called them personally and left messages on their phones and asked for an audience, McHenry said.
He has finally done that. It has been good for him and the people he has done it to have said hang on a minute, maybe he has learnt some lessons. Maybe he is going to do the right thing.
The above quote is a profound change from where the clubs and the AFL were at with Ben Cousins as recently as 3 weeks ago. The arrogant attitude of Cousins is what put him in a situation where other clubs felt the guy was too much of a loose cannon. It may not seem like much but it is what was getting in the way with the other clubs picking him up.
Had the above happened back in October, I have no doubt he would already be at another club. Everyone else's loss is hopefully our gain.
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I agree if he fails a drug test then come down hard on him
however he has not failed a drug test as we know it.
By the way it would not be his second chance this is his third so too right to give him the boot and boot him hard.
Chance 1 March 2007
Chance 2 Sep 2007
Chance 3 would be this opportunity
I hope he succeeds whether he ultimately ends up with us or not.
One thing for certain is this is his last chance.
Agree come down hard and he's out the door if he fails a drug test.
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Add Fraser Gehrig, Nick Stevens and our own Nathan Brown that the Pies missed out on. Collingwood wants everything on their terms so they miss out every time.
Even the soft draws they get eventually bites them on the backside. They finish higher up the ladder than they should and get poorer draft picks in return. One flag in 50 years and counting.
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Not sure if this article has been posted yet - my apologies if it has. It's interesting as it looks at the 'Cousins to Richmond Saga' from a different perspective.
Tigers should be wary
11/12/2008 1:37 PM
Paul Gough
Sportal
Surely Richmond and in particular coach Terry Wallace will be under enough pressure next season without adding to it by allowing the Ben Cousins' circus to engulf Punt Road.
This is not about whether the 2005 Brownlow Medalist deserves a second chance at resurrecting an AFL career he threw away by becoming addicted to drugs but whether Cousins joining the Tigers is a good move for the club.
The 30-year-old's career appeared to be over after he was overlooked by every club - including Richmond - in last month's national draft, particularly when only six clubs then kept a selection up their sleeve to use in next week's pre-season draft.
But the news the Tigers are trying to gain an additional pre-season draft pick - reportedly to use on Cousins - by placing key defender Graham Polak on the rookie list has revived the on-going Cousins' saga.
Of course the Tigers still need permission from the AFL to do that because Polak, who is still recovering from the injuries sustained when hit by a tram in late June, is over the maximum age (23) for a rookie, but even by just making the application to the AFL the Tigers have revived the Cousins saga in spectacular fashion just as it was finally dying down.
Already the news has divided Richmond's vast and passionate army of fans as well as callers on Melbourne talkback radio.
But this will be nothing to the scrutiny Richmond, and Wallace in particular, will come under next year if the club secures Cousins in next week's pre-season draft.
Put simply Cousins' every move will be under the kind of media scrutiny hardly helpful to a club in Richmond's position.
Few clubs are under as much pressure as Richmond year in, year out because of the club's chronic lack of success and their huge, demanding supporter base that grows more impatient by the year.
And don't forget Wallace is coaching for his survival in 2009 when he will be on the last year of his initial five year contract - a tenure which has yet to deliver a finals appearance for a club that has made just two September appearances since 1982.
Perhaps Wallace is hoping a fit, healthy and rehabilitated Cousins - whose football ability and commitment to training has never been doubted - will ensure the club finally makes the finals next year, which in turn would ensure a new deal for the under-pressure Richmond coach.
But what if it backfires?
The Tigers are coming off their most promising season in years - rising from 16th to ninth last year - on the back of an exciting young list led by midfielders Brett Deledio, Matt White and Nathan Foley, forwards Cleve Hughes and Mitch Morton and defenders Will Thursfield, Kelvin Moore and Luke McGuane.
Richmond fans and indeed a ravenous media that is always on the lookout for an implosion at Punt Road will be far more accepting of a decline next year in a year in which so much is expected of the club it if occurs on the back of youth
taking a backwards step than on the back of the Cousins' sideshow derailing the club's progress.
Cousins is not just a risk because of his controversial past and the baggage that comes with it but also because of his age (how many AFL midfielders continue to blossom past 30) and his recent injury history remembering that he
suffered a serious hamstring injury in his last game for West Coast in the 2007 qualifying final.
And if Richmond was so keen on Cousins, why would it not take him with its initial pick in the pre-season draft rather than trying to secure a second pick (by placing Polak on the rookie list) to then use on Cousins.
Is it because that is the only palatable way it could sell the move to its members and sponsors - by picking up an experienced player (Cousins) on a one-year contract to replace another experienced player (Polak) who can't play next year because of exceptional circumstances.
That is not to say the Tigers don't have a compelling case to place Polak on the rookie list given the seriousness of his tram accident last year and give themselves the chance to recruit another player onto the senior list.
But having failed so often in the past by attempting to top up their list with recycled players instead of sticking with youth (remember the disaster of the 2001 national draft when the club wasted vital picks in the strongest ever draft on the likes of Paul Hudson, Greg Stafford and Adam Houlihan) - the Tigers should learn their lesson and ignore Cousins and maintain a youth-led revival.
And just as importantly the club would be able to go on preparing for its most important season in years without the added pressure of the media circus that follows Cousins, watching his and the Tigers' every move.
http://sportal.com.au/afl-news-display/tigers-should-be-wary-61884 (http://sportal.com.au/afl-news-display/tigers-should-be-wary-61884)
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It still find this funny.... seriously
The media staking out Punt Road.
Channel 10 said tezza wasn't there today, channel 7 showed Tezza driving out of Punt road.
Poor Tommy Hislop (who's only been in the place 5 minutes) being asked what he knew about Benny.
Shame on them BTW for thrusting cameras and shi_t in Polak's face - that wasn't funny
Benny being supposedly sighted everywhere in Melbourne (memo news service saying he's just touched down at Melbourne Airport and showing old film of when he had hair doesn't cut it :rollin)
The circus is certainly in town :lol :rollin
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can somebody please tell me, if a "RICHMOND OFFICAL" said we will draft Cousins!!!
because i can not find proof!!!
please ... what is going on???
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Spoof article on the Age or has their website been hacked???
;D
Turn it up, Cousins at Tigerland? Won't happen
Email Printer friendly version Normal font Large font Cameron Noakes
December 12, 2008
BEN Cousins has decided to turn his back on the Richmond Football Club, confessing that he would prefer to never play AFL again than set foot in Tigerland.
In a revealing, tell-all interview with Mongrel Punter, Cousins admitted he had achieved plenty in football and was not "desperate enough" to continue his career at Punt Road.
"I would even be happy to put on a Freo jumper. Well, happy is a bit strong, but I would play for the Dockers," he said. "But I have standards. I'm not going to bust a gut for Richmond, finish ninth and have the Tiger faithful turn on me halfway through the season when I do a hammy.
"I'm terrified that someone might turn up to my house with a truckload of chicken manure. I just don't think I'm mentally strong enough to deal with that kind of rejection, plus I've heard chicken manure has a bit of a kick: if there is pile of it sitting on my lawn, I'm worried I might smoke it."
Cousins said he could not believe the "rotten hand" he had been dealt.
"I've made a few mistakes, but I don't deserve this just because I like partying all night and wild group sex and getting high. I mean, I used to like that stuff. I don't like it any more."
Cousins said by rejecting Richmond he was actually doing the club a favour.
"I played seven games in 2007, so the reality is I've barely played in two years. And I've hit the 'uncle Dougs' pretty hard. There is no way I'm going to come back and be the player I was.
"I'm also at the right age for soft-tissue injuries and who knows what bits of my brain I've fried? And you know I'm a bit arrogant, don't you? And I'm a bit of a silly idiot, so if Richmond gets me they will be taking on an arrogant silly idiot. And if I get injured, I will be an injured, arrogant silly idiot, and if I have a relapse, they could finish up with an uncle Doug-addicted, injured, arrogant silly idiot.
"Still, I can't understand why the other clubs aren't interested; you know I've won a Brownlow, don't you? And four best-and-fairests
and I'm hot
all the chicks dig big Ben."
Asked if he would advise punters on taking the $1.50 from Sportingbet that he will be a Tiger in 2009, or the $2.50 that he will not, Cousins said: "Mate, AFL players aren't allowed to bet on AFL stuff? It's against the rules.
"Why don't you take the 10 bucks on Ogilvy to win the Australian Open? He can come back from there. Now, excuse me, I'm off to have a drink with me mates Johnnie Daly, Anthony Mundine and Micky Gardiner. We're hitting the nudie bars tonight."
http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2008/12/11/1228585027695.html
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I tell you what, that Paul Gough article tells me there are some people out there that seriously don't want us to pick up Cousins, and i don't mean our supporters either.
Since when has Paul Gough ever been concerned about richmonds well fair, it's bull$hit. he never has and he never will, he's a reporter for Geez's sake, he feeds off turmoil, tragedy, fear and upset. He is just scare mongering and not doing a very good job of it. Only a moron would not be able to see through what he is doing. stuff off Paul Gough.
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Clubs fear effects of Ben Cousins loophole
Courtney Walsh | December 12, 2008
The Australian
RIVAL clubs have raised fears about Richmond's perceived manipulation of the rules which could see Ben Cousins join the Tigers next week.
A day after Collingwood president Eddie McGuire queried the timing of Richmond's request to list Graham Polak as a rookie, a move that would allow the Tigers to claim Cousins in Tuesday's pre-season draft, two club chief executives have queried whether the request should be allowed under the rules.
Should the commission agree with the request on Monday, it will give Richmond an extra pick in the following day's pre-season draft, one almost certain to revive Cousins' controversial career.
The Tigers could select Cousins with their existing choice, but coach Terry Wallace made it clear last week that was reserved for another player.
Adelaide Crows chief executive Steven Trigg, while sympathetic with the plight of Polak, who is rehabilitating after being struck by a tram in June but is too old to be placed on the rookie list under current rules, is concerned about a possible precedent should the AFL commission make an exception for him on Monday.
Essendon was granted permission to downgrade recently retired Adam Ramanauskas's status at Essendon as he battled cancer, but West Coast was refused permission when it sought a similar solution for forward Brad Smith as he struggled with chronic knee conditions.
"It is just interesting," Trigg said.
"I think we need to be a bit careful that every time someone gets hurt there is not a concession to be made."
Trigg, while saying Adelaide was not in a position to object to the request because it was not privy to information likely to be available to the commission, used Trent Hentschel as an example of a player who could benefit if there were a change in procedure on Monday.
Hentschel severely injured a knee against Port Adelaide late in 2006 and missed all of the following season and most of this year.
"There are a lot of ways to get injured, and we feel for Graham, but Trent missed a season of footy and he was always going to miss a season of footy, so we have to be careful with this," Trigg said.
At Geelong, it is a similar story with All-Australian centre half-back Matthew Egan, who is facing an extended battle to return from a serious foot problem, according to chief executive Brian Cook.
"We didn't think that was within the spirit of the rule," Cook said of placing him on the rookie list.
"Rules are rules and we need to know whether this should be looked at as exceptional circumstances."
McGuire was the first to question the move, querying Richmond's decision to wait until after last month's national draft, where it could have selected Cousins with another pick.
"My only issue with this, and this is no drama with the sentiments of Graham Polak, is this should have all been done before the (national) draft," he told Melbourne radio.
It follows comments from Wallace last month that the Tigers would not seek special dispensation to list Polak as a rookie.
"We could have tried to get compensation from the AFL, but we thought from Graham's point of view that we wanted to keep the door open and the light shining there," Wallace said.
While Richmond refused to discuss either the request or the possibility of recruiting Cousins, a club source said the change in thought occurred after Polak told team-mates he believed he would struggle to return to senior football next year.
Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett joined Essendon chief executive Peter Jackson in supporting Richmond's request provided "the commission is satisfied by the medical status of Graham Polak".
"This particular case is not based on the Ramanauskas case, but it is an individual case and we would hope that football has the capacity to support the individual," Kennett said.
Should Richmond succeed, former club identities have given the Tigers the green light to draft Cousins despite several other clubs shunning him.
Greg Miller, who was sacked as Richmond's football manager mid-year, said he would complement the Tigers' talented but youthful midfield.
"I think that Terry Wallace is a very upfront and honest person and he'll be able to talk with him and work with him and senior players like Kane Johnson and Nathan Brown would assist him greatly," he told Radio SEN.
"He's got some stringent hurdles to jump over but I think it'll be a great story."
Former Richmond coach Danny Frawley agreed.
"Good luck to Richmond for at least having the courage to go through the process," he said.
AFL great Kevin Sheedy, believed to be a driving force behind the Tigers' decision, said: "I have always supported giving people a second chance."
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24787422-2722,00.html
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Dockers 'no' to Polak rookie bid
Cameron Noakes, Martin Boulton | December 12, 2008
FREMANTLE is planning to be a major obstacle in Richmond's bid to move Graham Polak on to its rookie list.
In a report by the West Australian newspaper, the Dockers (Polak's former club) want to oppose Richmond's application to have the player listed as a rookie, and in doing so greatly reduce Ben Cousins' chances of joining the Tigers in Tuesday's pre-season draft.
Collingwood president Eddie McGuire has also expressed serious doubts about the Tigers' late bid to have Polak rookie-listed.
But Kevin Sheedy yesterday said Cousins deserved another chance, while former star Richmond rover Robert Wiley has backed the Tigers' bid, saying Cousins could lift Richmond into the finals next season.
Fremantle chief executive Steve Rosich told the West Australian the Dockers were hopeful Cousins returned to the AFL but the club was opposed to changing the rules.
"The AFL rules are very clear. Richmond has the option of putting Graham Polak on the long term injury list and elevating a rookie onto the main list. We believe that would be the appropriate course of action," Rosich told the WA.
Cousins' manager, Ricky Nixon, declined to comment when contacted by The Age. His former club, West Coast, also refused to comment.
Essendon will support the application and St Kilda, who seriously considered drafting Cousins, backed the Tigers, saying it was "up to them what they want to do" with the extra selection.
"According to medical evidence Graham's still got a fair way to go before he's back playing football," St Kilda chief executive Archie Fraser said.
"The key thing is Graham's still in a bit of bother, so we think it's a reasonable request (and) we've all got to give and take a little bit."
Bookmaker Sportingbet rates Cousins a $1.50 chance to be picked up by Richmond in the pre-season draft, and $2.50 not to be.
Polak suffered a serious brain injury when a tram struck him in June and he will battle to play football in 2009. The AFL allowed Essendon to put de-listed midfielder Adam Ramanauskas on the rookie list in 2007 as he battled cancer. Ramanauskas eventually returned to the senior list and played another 23 games before retiring.
Richmond would get an extra selection in the pre-season draft if its request is granted, so the league has asked clubs to respond before a commission meeting on Monday.
Sheedy met with Cousins last week and told him to start contacting clubs in a bid to get another chance. Sheedy said the AFL had given Cousins the chance to prove he had beaten his drug addiction and he could still play for several years.
"He's an experienced player obviously. That's up to Richmond. I'm only going back to Richmond to help in different areas and not the footy department," Sheedy said.
"But James Hird played here (Perth) in his last match
on the biggest footy ground in the world. James Hird is every bit of an athlete as Ben Cousins. If you're determined to make things happen in your life, then do it. If Ben got himself right, he could possibly do that and maybe play until 33 or 34 which is a wonderful achievement."
Wiley, a former assistant coach at West Coast, said to the WA the Brownlow medallist could turn the Tigers into a September threat.
"With his class and experience, that could certainly take them into the eight," Wiley said.
http://www.realfooty.com.au/news/news/stuff-rookie-bid/2008/12/11/1228585027780.htmlftp://
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Tigers' bid a litmus test for AFL
Jake Niall | December 12, 2008
ON MONDAY, we'll learn if the AFL really wants Ben Cousins to play for Richmond next year.
If the AFL approves Richmond's request to place Graham Polak, a recovering car accident victim, on the rookie list, then it has, in effect, told Richmond that it should draft Cousins, a recovering drug addict.
The Tigers, perhaps, aren't the only party that has done something of a backflip on the Cousins affair. Intentionally or not, the AFL created an impression that it did not want Cousins running around next year. Maybe that's a false perception but that's how many in the football community read between the lines of Andrew Demetriou.
Now, it seems as though the AFL wants him playing. From what one can gather, Demetriou and co have been surprised that the clubs have spurned Cousins. They did not forsee that the clubs would be so terrified by the prospect of having a recovering but not fully recovered addict in the locker room.
In this, the AFL is like a boy who doesn't know his own strength: It imposes strict conditions on a Cousins' comeback, talks tough, and the clubs react accordingly recoiling from him.
The proof of the AFL's desire to see Cousins back in yellow and black will be the Polak decision. The Tigers' application is founded on the recognition that while Polak could return next season, he mightn't be ready to play senior football until the second half of the season.
Those at Richmond in favour of Cousins (Kevin Sheedy included) were given an enormous boost when he was depicted in both of this town's daily newspapers wearing the Tiger jumper, with the idiot Smith sponsor's logo prominent.
This is the kind of exposure that sponsors demand, and if it takes a drug-abusing Brownlow medallist to provide it, well so what? The freebie for the sponsor a benefit created before Cousins has played a game would not have been lost on the decision-makers at Punt Road.
That Cousins could create favourable sponsorship outcomes for Richmond is beyond ironic, considering that sponsors of St Kilda, the Lions and Collingwood were said to have misgivings about the dangerous glamour represented by Ben.
Some clubs are moaning about the way the Polak manouevrings are being exploited by the Tigers. They have a point, but to complain about the AFL bending the rules (assuming it does) and to decry the lack of proper process is to forget how the AFL does business.
In my time covering the game, the AFL has never been remotely interested in following process, or in sticking to the letter of the law. Take the Sirengate decision (when Fremantle got the four points in 2006), or the Carlton salary cap punishment, or the Adam Ramanauskas rookie-list exception, which is now the precedent for Richmond's Polak application.
The game's bosses are concerned with outcomes, not process. So, wait for Monday, and see if the emperor gives Ben the thumbs up.
http://www.realfooty.com.au/news/news/tigers-bid-a-litmus-test-for-afl/2008/12/11/1228585027783.html
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It still find this funny.... seriously
The media staking out Punt Road.
Channel 10 said tezza wasn't there today, channel 7 showed Tezza driving out of Punt road.
Poor Tommy Hislop (who's only been in the place 5 minutes) being asked what he knew about Benny.
Shame on them BTW for thrusting cameras and shi_t in Polak's face - that wasn't funny
Benny being supposedly sighted everywhere in Melbourne (memo news service saying he's just touched down at Melbourne Airport and showing old film of when he had hair doesn't cut it :rollin)
The circus is certainly in town :lol :rollin
i love it.
good for our club and means more dollars comes in.
i just hope we get him after all this
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Hentschel & Egan were both football related injuries, not brain damage from an incident outside football
If you want a better example then Chad Gibson is a better one, but he returned before the end of the season so it wasn't needed and was far more minor than Polak's case.
Don't know how people can compare the two, we didn't try and do it after Nathan Brown's injury did we?!
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Tony Leonard on local radio this morning said that it is odds on that Ben Cousins will be a Tiger, even if we don't get the extra pick.
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So this sort of seals it that he will be coming then. From all the talk I have only read one that he doesn't want to be with us.
So it looks like people like me have to get use to the idea that he will be a Tiger in 09.
They know more than I do and I will have to go with the flow then.
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The media buffoons are having a ball and it is the gullible among us that buy their crap.
Here's some facts:
We can take Cousins without using the Polak situation.
5 other clubs can take Cousins.
We don't have to take Cousins if Polak is transferred to the Rookie List.
Sponsors were more responsible for other clubs rejecting Cousins than any perceived "club ideology".
Good management is formulating and sticking to a plan and process, great management is recognizing the right time and place to deviate from that.
Polak's medical condition is personal and private to him alone, the media have no right to discuss or speculate on it in public without his permission.
And my last fact - (based on my opinion ;D) - Richmond will make the 8 next year with or without Cousins.
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Look I'm not in favour of getting Cousins.
But if it means we stick it up Collingwood in perticular gotta get my head on TV Eddie, then good. Lets stick it right up them.
We all know that he will come with a long list of rules to follow and if he stuffs up it is gone.
And if we get him this will give Terry nowhere to hide if we dont make the top 8 in 09, and he will know that he will be doing the walking.
One thing I would like to know is how the player feel about him coming to the team.
I know they all might have a shut up placed on them, but it would be good to know just how they feel.
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They know more than I do and I will have to go with the flow then.
At least this flow will have plenty of excitement Bushranger, the hype leading up to R1 and into the season will be unbelievable
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They know more than I do and I will have to go with the flow then.
At least this flow will have plenty of excitement Bushranger, the hype leading up to R1 and into the season will be unbelievable
That is so true. And no matter what happen even if we agree or disagree it will be interesting. And our club will be in the headlines. And this is just how the sponsor want it. Exposure is so good. Bring on 09.
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Amazing really considering all the negative hype surrounding Cousins to date that when we claim we may take him the support from the football public and especially the Tiger faithful, has been overwealming. The Pies, Lions and Saint sponsors and supporters who be incrediable bitter at this point.
What concerns me is our number in the PSD. After all the positive hype another team may change their stance on Cousins and choose him before us.
Stripes
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Demetriou is keeping mum when he was quizzed about Cousins and us this morning. He just said he's aware Adrian Anderson has received a submission from Richmond about Polak and the AFL commission will view and discuss it on Monday.
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Adelaide and Port Adelaide will support our bid to move Polak onto the rookie list
http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,24787086-12428,00.html
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They have been showing Terry going into Tigerland with a big cheezy grim from ear to ear on the news breaks.
So it has to be almost certain that we have got him then.
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So does this means the Adelaide team must be wanting something in return later on down the track maybe.
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They have been showing Terry going into Tigerland with a big cheezy grim from ear to ear on the news breaks.
So it has to be almost certain that we have got him then.
He might just be cacking himself at all the fuss being created about the Tiges picking up David Gourdis and Kade Klemke in the PSD.
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So does this means the Adelaide team must be wanting something in return later on down the track maybe.
id say their dislike of anything collingwood led them to this decision.
that and common sense
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So going by that we have:
Supportive: Ess, Haw, Melb, Adel, Port
Against: Coll, Freo
Hedging: Carl, St K
Don't know: Bris, Geel, North, Syd, WCE, WB
Hentschel & Egan were both football related injuries, not brain damage from an incident outside football
If you want a better example then Chad Gibson is a better one, but he returned before the end of the season so it wasn't needed and was far more minor than Polak's case.
Don't know how people can compare the two, we didn't try and do it after Nathan Brown's injury did we?!
Likewise with Cogs. He hasn't played since mid 2006 but we couldn't do this as he originally did his ACL playing.
Yep some especially on BF's main board ::) can't understand the difference between football and serious non-football related injuries. You can only request this sort of special consideration for stuff situations away from footy - eg: Rama's cancer, Polly being hit and almost killed by a tram, the late Troy Broadbridge killed in the Asian tsunami.
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He might just be cacking himself at all the fuss being created about the Tiges picking up David Gourdis and Kade Klemke in the PSD.
LOL, Yeah or something like you pack of idiots I am going to have some fun with you now
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Hentschel & Egan were both football related injuries, not brain damage from an incident outside football
If you want a better example then Chad Gibson is a better one, but he returned before the end of the season so it wasn't needed and was far more minor than Polak's case.
Don't know how people can compare the two, we didn't try and do it after Nathan Brown's injury did we?!
exactly. some people just make comments for the sake of making a comment. we're doing this because polak's is non-football related injury.
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Well what do we do as supporters, I was dead against Cousins coming to the Tigers but I have always said that as a LOYAL, get that people LOYAL supporter I will back every player that pulls on the yellow and black and every decision the club makes. The club is not stupid and from what I have read this bloke really wants to play the game he loves. Everyone should be given a second chance although Ben did have a few more than others.
He has a lot of people backing him and and if he stuffs this up he will lose all respect with a hell of a lot of people in the football world.
If you come to the RFC Ben I will be backing you in 100% mate and if you dont I wish you all the best in whatever you decide to do.
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Tigers ready to bite at Ben
By Jason Phelan
6:07 PM Fri 12 December, 2008
RICHMOND president Gary March confirmed on Friday that his club had held talks with Ben Cousins on a possible move to Punt Rd.
The Tigers sparked wide-spread speculation they were interested in throwing the Brownlow Medallist a life line when they partitioned the AFL on Wednesday for permission to rookie list injured defender Graham Polak.
The AFL Commission will meet on Monday to discuss the proposal. If approved, Richmond will have two selections in Tuesday's NAB AFL Pre-Season Draft, one of which could be used to secure the former Eagle.
"I can confirm that the Richmond football club has spoken to Ben Cousins, but at this stage we haven't made any decision on whether we're going to take [him]," March said.
"We've go to await the outcome of the AFL Commission's decision on Monday."
"We've made an application through our football department, and we'll wait to see the outcome of that and make a decision from there."
While March would not confirm Richmond's intent regarding Cousins, he hinted that wheels are in motion at the club should it find itself with the extra draft selection on Tuesday.
"We've definitely talked to [Cousins] and we've looked at what we can do", he said.
The Tigers are relative late-comers to the Cousins issue having previously stated the 30-year-old did not fit into their plans for 2009.
St Kilda, Collingwood and the Brisbane Lions all studied the viability of bringing him to their clubs before ultimately withdrawing interest.
Richmond currently has pick six at the pre-season draft and could still select Cousins regardless of the Commission's decision, but March maintained the club's position on that selection had not changed.
"We've stated all along that we'll be using our pick in the pre-season draft on a junior," he said
"We missed out on a pick at 69 [in the national draft] which Brisbane took, and the intention was always to take a young boy ... That really hasn't changed."
The Tigers had hoped to snare young Tasmanian ruckman Bart McCulloch with pick 70 in the national draft before the Lions swooped.
Polak, who suffered a bran injury in a collision with a tram in June, has been slow to recover, leading to the proposal to remove him from the senior list.
"It's clear at the moment that Graham's recovery is taking a little bit longer than he had hoped," March said
"He came back to training and early signs were that he was recovering and he was hopeful that he might recover better than he has.
"But it's slowed down a bit and it's unlikely at this point that he'll play next year."
http://afl.com.au/News/NEWSARTICLE/tabid/208/Default.aspx?newsId=70816
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Here's March's press conference:
http://bigpondvideo.com/afl/95453
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March shouldnt speak to the media, he doesnt speak very well.
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March shouldnt speak to the media, he doesnt speak very well.
He couldn't be any worse than the dumb-ass journalist who wrote the article. Here is a quote from the article:
"The Tigers sparked wide-spread speculation they were interested in throwing the Brownlow Medallist a life line when they partitioned the AFL on Wednesday for permission to rookie list injured defender Graham Polak."
Here is a dictionary entry for partition:
1 a: to divide into parts or shares b: to divide (as a country) into two or more territorial units having separate political status
2: to separate or divide by a partition (as a wall) often used with off
So from this article we can deduce that Richmond has split the AFL into 2 or more parts, shares or territorial units using either political status or walls.
I wonder if we also "petitioned" the AFL?
:wallywink
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March shouldnt speak to the media, he doesnt speak very well.
I've been a critic of March's media skills and decisions over the past 6 months but I didn't have a problem with what he said today. Actually IMO it was one of his best. He's smartly said we won't be stepping on the AFL commission's shoes before Monday who we need to do us this favour yet he also put it on notice that if our application is rejected then the Commission will effectively end Cousins' career and the AFL will look heartless on two fronts.
I think the AFL have changed their tune on Cousins. Previously they have hoped the Cousins issue would just go away and die but under public pressure to give him one last chance the AFL have turned to avoid a negative backlash. It wouldn't surprise me either if there's some fear at AFL HQ of a legal challenge to the whole draft system if Cousins can't get to any of the 16 clubs. As we saw with Judd last year the AFL aren't afraid to manipulate and "tweak" the system to avoid a push towards free agency.
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Tigers say if there's no extra pick, they won't take Cousins
Sam Edmund | December 13, 2008
RICHMOND says it will turn its back on Ben Cousins if the AFL rejects its appeal to put Graham Polak on the rookie list.
Tigers president Gary March said yesterday Cousins would not take precedence over the club's focus on recruiting a young player in Tuesday's pre-season draft.
"We've said all along that we'll be using our pick in the pre-season draft on a junior," March said.
"Our intention was to take a young boy and that really hasn't changed. It's pretty basic. We said we'll be taking a junior with pick six."
....
Richmond players, signing autographs at the club's fan day yesterday, said the chance to team up with Cousins was appealing.
"I think anyone would be excited about the prospect of him playing here," Newman said.
Nathan Brown said: "It certainly would be (exciting), but I can't say any more.
"It's not our decision. It's the board's decision."
Forward Jay Schulz was confident Cousins still had what it takes.
"He was a terrific player and I think he still would be," he said.
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sport/afl/story/0,26576,24792287-19742,00.html
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Support for Cousins in Tigers' den
Courtney Walsh | December 13, 2008
The Australian
AFL Players Association boss Brendon Gale believes his former club Richmond has the support systems in place to cope with drafting disgraced star Ben Cousins.
The Tigers emerged as a surprise candidate to revive the former West Coast captain's career this week when details of a request to place Graham Polak, who is recovering from a brain injury, on its rookie list emerged on Wednesday.
While the AFL commission will rule on Richmond's request on Monday, the Tigers can still select the recovering drug addict regardless in Tuesday's pre-season draft despite coach Terry Wallace previously declaring they had earmarked another player for their pick.
Gale, who has been a strong advocate of the 2005 Brownlow medallist returning to football, said yesterday he hoped Cousins received a lifeline in what is his final chance after clubs shunned him at last month's national draft.
"We work closely with all AFL clubs in that off-field support, career and education and I think Richmond is pretty strong," he said. "I think the arrangements they have had in place for a while are very strong and supportive of all players in their off-field development and I would be very confident in their ability to support all players and, in particular, someone with complex issues like Ben.
"I am not a clinician but based on the advice we have received, I think it would be a really important stage of his next phase, his rehabilitation, to have that structure and and motivating environment of a football club and I think it would be a really good support for Ben right now."
AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou yesterday refused to pre-empt what will happen in either Monday's commission meeting regarding Polak or Tuesday's pre-season draft.
"We've given the green light for Ben Cousins to play," he said.
"I'm not aware of what Richmond's doing other than they've put a submission that relates to Graham Polak.
"So what they're thinking (in regards to the draft) I'm not privy to and we'll wait and see."
Should the commission rule in favour of giving Richmond permission to place Polak, who was hit by a tram in June but is too old to be placed on the rookie list under present rules, on its rookie list the Tigers will have two picks in Tuesday's draft.
But some clubs have questioned whether Polak deserves a special exemption -- granted only once before to recently retired Bomber Adam Ramanauskas as he battled cancer -- while others are furious with the timing of the request, saying Richmond have known of the condition for months and also had the opportunity to draft Cousins last month.
At least one club chief executive is convinced the commission will deny Richmond its request, although Gale believes it has merit and does not believe the Tigers' motives are questionable.
"Graham sustained a very serious brain injury and is taking a long and sustained rehabilitation and he is not in a position to be playing, certainly in the short term, so we support that and I guess most importantly, we acknowledged that Graham supports that as well," he said.
"We are not in a position to question (Richmond's) motives and clubs are free to form their own opinion on that, but they put the request in and we think the reasons behind it are very sound.
"Governing bodies have rules, but we have got to have discretions to help them deal with difficult and complicated circumstances. This is clearly one of them.
"We are not talking about a football-related injury here, this is serious brain injury sustained in very strange circumstances. I think we need to be a little flexible in dealing with it."
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24791913-5012432,00.html
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I just dont like March saying that we wont pick up Cousins at 6, same goes for Cameron saying it.
It wouldnt be a decision that has been made yet, it may be an ideal setup for the club but if the AFL happened to reject the application for Polak then there would be a in depth discussion as to who we draft in PSD.
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I just dont like March saying that we wont pick up Cousins at 6, same goes for Cameron saying it.
It wouldnt be a decision that has been made yet, it may be an ideal setup for the club but if the AFL happened to reject the application for Polak then there would be a in depth discussion as to who we draft in PSD.
what march has said is absolutely fine.
Nothing in that mate get over it
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Eade seems to be against it. He says Polak's situation isn't like Rama's.
http://afl.com.au/News/NEWSARTICLE/tabid/208/Default.aspx?newsId=70825
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Ratten was looking forward to Cousins vs Judd on the news tonight.
Supportive: Ess, Haw, Melb, Adel, Port, Carl, St K
Against: Coll, Freo, WB
Don't know: Bris, Geel, North, Syd, WCE
So of those against, Collingwood is just envious sooks and Freo are just self-interested wanting us to use pick 6 on Cousins so they can grab Gourdis in the rookie draft ::).
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I thought President March spoke well.. like MT I think he threw the ball firmly back at the AFL and for now that's where it should be. Also he didn't actually commit the RFC to taking Benny which means we don't have to make a final decision one way or another until Monday.
Until then "Benny Gate" continues and it's all good publicity for our Club and I stress GOOD publicity for us and doesn't that make a pleasant change :clapping
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I know Eade has come out against it, but that doesn't mean the WB as a whole are against it
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Is that cause he too has a team that really wants him so he is kicking up a stink.
As it does sould like no matter what we can get him with or without the use of Polak.
Other teams are now running scared as they know or players are of age now and we will be a force no matter who we have.
And I wold love to get him just so the Pies have pie in their eyes.
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One major flaw in Eade's argument:
"I think Adelaide made the point [Trent] Hentschel. It certainly wasnt his fault he snapped his leg and wasnt going to play for 18 months [but] they didnt get any compensation for it, Eade said."
Neither did we for Brown or Newman, neither did St Kilda for McGuire, neither did every other club with player knee reco's. A football related injury with a return to active duty date that can be fairly confidently predicted by medical professionals does not count - cancer and severe brain trauma do.
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I know Eade has come out against it, but that doesn't mean the WB as a whole are against it
That's true infamy but I'd doubt a coach would publicly contradict his club board's position. According to the media there are 3 clubs against our application. Apart from Eddie, Freo and now Eade today no one else has come out against us.
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I just dont like March saying that we wont pick up Cousins at 6, same goes for Cameron saying it.
It wouldnt be a decision that has been made yet, it may be an ideal setup for the club but if the AFL happened to reject the application for Polak then there would be a in depth discussion as to who we draft in PSD.
Given there are 5 clubs with picks before us, not making any promises before Tuesday is probably the smart way to go.
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Tigers warned to do their homework on Cousins
abc.net.au
Dec 13, 2008
Former St Kilda coach Stan Alves told Grandstand Richmond needs to consider why other clubs dropped out of the race to recruit Ben Cousins before they decide whether to draft the former Brownlow medallist.
The Tigers are looking to select Cousins in Tuesday's preseason draft, but such a move is dependent on the AFL granting the club permission to place injured defender Graham Polak on the rookie list.
Collingwood, the Saints and Brisbane had initially expressed interest in picking up Cousins in last month's national draft before all three clubs abandoned their planning.
You can listen to Alves's full interview with Grandstand's Quentin Hull below:
Alves, a Grandstand commentator and North Melbourne premiership player, says the Tigers must ask themselves why the Magpies and Saints in particular decided not to draft Cousins.
"Why did Collingwood spend six months and appear to have embraced him and then all of a sudden jump off?" he said.
"Why did St Kilda spend five months and go through all this process, even to wine and dine him with their players...what is it that we don't know, what don't we find out?
"I think that's the area right now that the Tigers would be going through."
Alves says he thinks Cousins will still be able to physically cope with playing at the senior level should he be drafted by the Tigers.
http://blogs.abc.net.au/grandstand/2008/12/tigers-warned-t.html?site=afl
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One major flaw in Eade's argument:
"I think Adelaide made the point [Trent] Hentschel. It certainly wasnt his fault he snapped his leg and wasnt going to play for 18 months [but] they didnt get any compensation for it, Eade said."
Neither did we for Brown or Newman, neither did St Kilda for McGuire, neither did every other club with player knee reco's. A football related injury with a return to active duty date that can be fairly confidently predicted by medical professionals does not count - cancer and severe brain trauma do.
if i hear this argument again i think im gonna puke.
A mate who follows the Pies used the same examples and i nearly choked on my food. Are these idiots for real. We copped our fair share of bad luck injuries but have never asked for this. Now i wonder why??
Eade is another Eddie, both fuckheads. Non Football related injuries tossers, its not that hard to undserstand
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If the AFL says he's a fit and able player, why should RIchmond do its homework.
THe onus, surely, should be on the AFL, not us to make sure he's okay
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Wasn't it their sponsors that said no?! Poor Dal Santo must have been told Cousins was going to Moorabbin to speak publicly about it before he was made a fool of on tv that very night when the Saints Board said no.
In any case what other clubs say or said is irrelevant. We need to make the decision ourselves and be satisfied we've done the "due diligence" either way we go with Cousins.
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Recovering Polak backs Richmond's rookie list bid
Emma Quayle and Brent Diamond | December 14, 2008
RICHMOND defender Graham Polak is supportive of the club's attempt to move him to its rookie list, believing it would relieve him of the burden of occupying a spot on the club's list not knowing when he will play again.
Polak recently resumed light training, but is still a long way from contemplating a return at any level, and the 24-year-old, and those close to him, believe the proposed move independent of Richmond's efforts to resurrect Ben Cousins' career would be good for him.
The AFL Commission is to decide tomorrow whether to allow Polak to be placed on the rookie list rather than the long-term injury list, which would enable Polak to play some football should he be up to it early next season and give Richmond a second pick in Tuesday's pre-season draft. Polak would not be able to play at any level if he were placed on the injury list.
http://www.realfooty.com.au/news/news/polak-backs-cousins-bid/2008/12/13/1228585185325.html
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If we are the team with him in our squad I would say that we know what has to be done.
And all the teams are scared just how well he will play, as he will know that these are the teams that have said no to him.
So they will be wondering just how well he will ply against them.
I'm one that doesn't want him but if we get him I wll support him.
And I to think that the AFL will have a bigger part in Richmond, that any other team ,as we have got him, so it will fall on their feet to make sure he is towing the line and we will have a secondary role to play.
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If the AFL says he's a fit and able player, why should RIchmond do its homework.
THe onus, surely, should be on the AFL, not us to make sure he's okay
While I agree with the sentiment, surely the onus is on Ben Cousins to make sure he is okay. He is 30, it is up to him now.
AFL can do all the checks and balances but the one thing I've discovered through this mess it that clearly there are some sure fire ways to mask the presence of illicit drugs in someone's system.
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Adelaide chief executive Steven Trigg and Geelong boss Brian Cook are worried about the precedent it will set.
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24799190-5012432,00.html
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Several big issues on table for commission meeting
Damian Barrett | December 15, 2008
AFL commissioners gather in Melbourne today to debate a varied and complex mix of issues that will change football as we know it.
The commission must make final decisions on at least two pressing issues and thrash out at least another three strategic matters.
All that before they open inevitable talk on the world economic downturn and how it will most affect the game.
Richmond's request for special permission to place Graham Polak on the rookie list needs an answer today.
The other clubs have spoken and most don't like the idea at all, but the AFL commission will, as always, do as it wants with Polak.
It knows, though, that allowing the Tigers the right to place Polak, badly injured this year in a tram accident, on the rookie list would set an interesting precedent.
Polak going on to the rookie list is likely to guarantee Ben Cousins becoming a Richmond player next year, so there is a lot to factor in.
Also requiring a ruling is the rushed behinds issue.
.....
Big-picture issues of expansion on the Gold Coast and western Sydney, and to a lesser extent Tasmania, will also be discussed.
It is possible the commission today will formally award the game's 17th licence to the GC17 consortium.
There was a time when the December gathering of AFL commissioners consisted of a quick chat about the next year, a few slaps on the back for the success of the year just gone and then some Christmas drinks.
Not so in recent years, and particularly not so today.
Full article here:
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sport/afl/story/0,26576,24799308-19742,00.html
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AFL to decide Ben Cousins' fate at today's commission meeting
Gerard Healy | December 15, 2008
IT'S D-Day for the AFL Commission on Ben Cousins. Either the commission opens the way for Cousins to become a Richmond footballer when it meets today, or it will have failed a test of courage.
The commission has left it up to the clubs whether to let Cousins play again, but today it must assume responsibility for that decision.
When the commission approved Cousins' draft nomination with appropriately strict one-strike conditions - despite the fallen star not producing a hair test to prove he was drug-free and continuing rumblings about his recovery and decision-making - it shifted responsibility to the clubs.
History shows us that it was all too cloudy and no one was prepared to accept the risk and pick up Cousins.
Richmond has effectively handed back the responsibility to the AFL.
Despite an amazingly positive public reaction to the Tigers' bid for Cousins, they decided not to end the speculation on Friday and take the heat out of the Graham Polak decision by announcing they would take Cousins with pick six in tomorrow's pre-season draft.
They refused to let the commission off the hook.
Effectively, Richmond wants the AFL to sanction the Cousins drafting plan - and share responsibility for the decision - by granting an extra pick in tomorrow's draft.
That pick would be created by allowing the club to place Polak on the rookie list while he recovers from a serious head injury.
If the Tigers don't get the extra selection, they could take Cousins with pick six and get an extra rookie, whose wage would not be included in the salary cap.
A firm declaration of their intention to draft Cousins regardless of what happens today would also have capitalised on a positive week for the club.
That they chose not to was an indication of how strongly they believe the commission must play a greater role in determining Cousins' future.
It also indicates how nervous the Richmond administration is about its image, and perhaps the decision itself, which is probably justified.
If they miss out on Cousins however, because the Commission fails to ignore the shallow protestations regarding Polak then they will have missed a massive opportunity, both from a commercial and club perspective.
The backlash from potential members, and possibly sponsors, is self-evident given last weeks avalanche of support for the idea of Cousins in a Tigers jumper.
Of similar importance is the apparently unifying effect this challenge has had on the club. Three months ago there appeared divisions within the clubs administration that were eroding the positive message their improved playing stocks, and 2009 potential, should have sent.
As they stood resolute on Friday in their defiance of pressure to use Pick 6 there was not a division to be seen but watch them reappear if Cousins does not.
Its a high risk strategy but the odds are with the Tigers for the Commission have a simple decision. The Polak injury, a neural deficit problem which has uncertain outcomes both physically and emotionally, should be treated in isolation to other football injuries.
Despite the obvious tragic nature of the injuries to Matt Egan of Geelong and Trent Henschel of the Adelaide Crows, they dont have the same sensitivities associated with them as any serious head injury whether caused on or off the ground.
Like serious disease, brain damage is a unique category of injury. Surely that is not a difficult concept to grasp and will allow the Commission the license to override any conflict with the rules whilst still enjoying the support of the bulk of the competition.
The Commission will find in favour of Richmond and Polak and create Pick 7 and therefore giving Ben Cousins a final chance to write a positive ending to his turbulent career and hopefully rebuild his life in the same environment that saw it implode. But it will only be a chance and no guarantee as Cousins has had many chances in the past and elected to ignore the warning signs.
If he ignores this one, losing his football career and public respect will be the least of his problems.
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sport/afl/story/0,26576,24799548-19742,00.html
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I know one player will not make the gate taking that much bigger,but none the less if they are worried about the down turn in our sports. With Ben in surely he woud make a big impacted early on in the gates as everyone and their dog would want to see this curcus called Ben Cousins on the feild again.
So for them to disallow it would be them really failing the game. If you looked at it this way.
But interest in him would stop sooner rather than later and then it would increase again when we play over in the West for the first time.
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Several big issues on table for commission meeting
Damian Barrett | December 15, 2008
...............
The other clubs have spoken and most don't like the idea at all, but the AFL commission will, as always, do as it wants with Polak.
...............
From an article in today's Age by Jesse Hogan (quoted in another thread):
"The AFL last week wrote to all clubs to gauge their views on Richmond's request, which the Tigers justified on the basis Polak was "still undertaking extensive rehabilitation after suffering an acquired brain injury". Fremantle and Collingwood have expressed opposition to the request."
Is Damien Barrett a complete moron who failed elementary maths in Grade 1 or just have a blind bias/hatred against Richmond?
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The meeting has started (8:30) and will finish at around 2-2:30.
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What about Matthew Egan?
Geelong Advertiser
Daniel Breen
December 15th, 2008
SHOULD Richmond be given the green light to put Graham Polak on the rookie list, Geelong will look to do the same with injured defender Matthew Egan.
Geelong president stuff Costa yesterday revealed the Cats would seek clarity on the Egan situation if the AFL allowed the Tigers to bend the rules and list tram crash victim Polak as a mature-age rookie for 2009.
"Tomorrow is going to be an interesting result, not just whether they clear the way for Richmond to recruit Ben Cousins but also determining what the rules are for the other clubs," Costa said yesterday.
"We're not putting any pressure on the AFL, this is a testing time for them, but we have asked the league for an open understanding of what the AFL feels on it and what it would mean if they allowed this to happen.
Full article at:
http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/article/2008/12/15/37521_geelong_sports.html
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Any team that goes against us we want to remember them and one day when they need something to go through just give the a polite nod and tell them to pee off. :banghead
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The meeting has started (8:30) and will finish at around 2-2:30.
Yep an announcement to be made around 2:30 with a media conference to follow.
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I will put my listening ears on.
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It's sad what has happened to Egan as you don't want to see any footballer suffer a serious injury but like Browny and Cogs it's a football injury and unfortunately it's part of the game. Whereas getting almost killed by a tram and suffering serious brain injury is a stuff accident outside of football. How many times do we need to explain this ???.
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Barassi backs Tigers move
December 15, 2008 7.21am WST
AS the AFL Commission gathers to discuss Richmond's Graham Polak request, Ron Barassi has given the move a thumbs-up.
The Commission arrived at AFL House this morning to discuss, among other matters, whether to approve Richmond's proposal to list Polak as a rookie.
That decision - which would pave the way for Richmond to draft Cousins - is expected to be announced at a press conference at 2.30pm this afternoon.
The commissioners - led by chairman Mike stuff - had no comment for the waiting media pack this morning as they arrived for their final meeting of the year.
But Barassi has given his qualified support to the idea.
"If Richmond's game enough, and everything's right with Ben Cousins
we should give it a go," the AFL icon said on radio station 3AW today.
Barassi said the only reason it should not go ahead would be if the AFL needed to change the rules to allow Cousins to play.
While it would set a precedent, it is not believed that the AFL Commission would not need to change the rules to allow Richmond to move Graham Polak on to the rookie list.
http://www.news.com.au/perthnow/sport/afl/story/0,26633,24800816-5016215,00.html
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Word out of the AFL meeting so far is the main talking point is whether moving Polak onto the rookie list will set a precedent.
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Which is stupid, Ramanaskas set the precedent, now they just need to decide if Polak fits under that precedent
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Robert Shaw said going by the existing rules with the LTIL and all this would be knocked back but he reckons the AFL will see an opportunity to help out two footballers in need and compassion will win out and the AFL will say yes. Let's hope so.
I reckon they must have made the decision by now after 4 1/2 hours given they also need time to discuss the GC17 licence and the new rushed behind rule as well. LOL at Andy D and co sitting back drinking scotch on the rocks talking about where they are going on holidays while they make us all wait ;D.
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There are Melbourne supporters out there that are saying this is totally wrong and that we are all split over this matter.
I told him to worry about his own team that needs hand outs to keep their head above water.
It seems funny that everyone didn't want him now its crunch time our team has been the one that said they would take him and now the rest of the footy world is up in arms about it.
All of them are now running scared as we no matter what will be a total force next season.
And they are scare with Ben in the mix we will just be that much more harder to beat.
I hate teams that are crap like the Dee's chucking crap at us cause they didn't have the balls to do it. :gotigers
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I hate teams that are crap like the Dee's chucking crap at us cause they didn't have the balls to do it. :gotigers
Add Feo to that list, wtf are freo anyway wgaf what that stupid franchise with an anchor and a surfie for a mascot thinks. seriously
Hope it goes through we get Cousins and the icing on the cake will be a 10 goal flogging of the squeeling pigs skunks with Ben racking up a BOG. :rollin :santa
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I couldn't agree more. I was fully against it in the beginning now I'm more than looking forward to having him with us and then show the footy world that he has now taken his last 3 years seriously. And we flog the living suit case out of all the teams that said yes but the later said no. And we end up in the final while they linger on the botton.
As the ones against are bottom dwellers with nothing but their team to relocate or merge with another botom dwelling side.
So bring on 2.30 ansd with that the okay to get him plus another young fella to boot.
And in the words of Teddy Whitten STICK IT RIGHT UP'EM.
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Which is stupid, Ramanaskas set the precedent, now they just need to decide if Polak fits under that precedent
SEN saying a precedent that will be abused by clubs with injured players ???. Which club is going to get one of its players to volunteer to walk in front of a moving tram ::).
Well only 40 minutes to go.
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Someone should start the thread WE GOT HIM. And if we don't just delete it. or you could be refering to someone else like we got Sheedy.
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They are saying the meeting is being wrapped up. I'm surprised there hasn't been a leak.
Collingwood and Freo have objected to the AFL ::).
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They are saying the meeting is being wrapped up. I'm surprised there hasn't been a leak.
Collingwood and Freo have objected to the AFL ::).
Freo want Gourdis at 3 in the rookie draft don't they??
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Essendon and St Kilda are fully supportive of our application. Collingwood and Freo requesting more information from Richmond.
March said Polak's recovery has taken a little longer then he hoped. Early signs were hopeful that he might play next year but the recovery has slowed and so in discussion with Polak we have submitted the application. That's all it is to it.
March also reiterated that we will stick to using pick 6 in the PSD on a youngster.
Browny was asked about it but said he can't make comment as it's not up to him.
No sign of Cousins.
Media moving now into the press room at AFL HQ.
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They are saying the meeting is being wrapped up. I'm surprised there hasn't been a leak.
Collingwood and Freo have objected to the AFL ::).
Freo want Gourdis at 3 in the rookie draft don't they??
Yep but we're the only ones being accused of self-interest ::).
It sounds like we have a majority of support from opposition clubs if only the whinging Pies and Freo are clearly objecting. Fingers crossed. Just 8 minutes to go :pray.
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SEN about to cross to AFL HQ after the ad break. Tune in.
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Here we go .....
It's been refused :(
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REFUSED!
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Press conference from the Tigers then according to SEN.
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How unfortunate, I wonder if we will budge on our decision to go for youth with pick 6. :o
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So what dioes this mean now ? And in that I mean the Polak thing and us getting cousins or is he never to play again?
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Gourdis Vs Cousins ????
Hopefully Gourdis tells Freo he wont play for them and we can still get him at pick 8 in the rookie draft !!!
Oh, the drama.....
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It means we didn't get an extra pick in the PSD.
We can still get Cousins, we have pick 6, but we've said that we'll take a youngster with that pick.
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Demetriou said there were submissions from us, Adrian Anderson, the AFLPA and 14 of the 15 clubs. The missing club didn't get there's in on time.
The rules are already in place for this situation with the LTIL. The mechanism is already there for Richmond to have the flexibility to upgrade a player from the rookie list in Polak's place and play him for as long as Polak is on the LTIL.
Different to Rama as he was delisted before the National draft and he was uncontracted so making him a rookie kept him in the AFL. Also all clubs were supportive.
The majority of clubs were opposed to our Polak situation.
The AFL didn't bother asking us why we left it "late". Damien Barret asked "if Richmond got it's act together earlier and didn't try to circumvent the rules would the decision be different". Demetriou responded by saying he doesn't want to speculate on that. Adrian Anderson believed the submission was reasonable and so the AFL commission looked at it.
There's still an opportunity for Ben Cousins to be picked up by any of the 6 clubs tomorrow.
Congratulated Richmond on their fantastic support for Polak who is "indefinitely" out of football.
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Hmmm, Ok ball back in the court of the RFC
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What time is our Press conference?
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cousins over a kid
no thanks
the afl are a fu.ckin joke
listening to that eddie fu.kwit
im so peeed off this is so stuff....
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What time is our Press conference?
Not sure.
They said if it was successful, no press conference and if unsuccessful, they would have a press conference.
EDIT: Probably after 4:30
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Goods news for Polak still being able to be put on the list.
And now do we do what was already said and take youth in Gourdis.
And then see if we can colect Cousins down further.
All I know is I'm glad I'm not the ones in that position.
I was agaist it but aver time grew to like the idea of him at home with us.
So lets wai now till tomorrow.
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AFL refuses Tiger request
December 15, 2008 02:35pm
RICHMOND'S bid to recruit Ben Cousins has hit a hurdle, with the AFL Commission stopping it from placing Graham Polak on the rookie list.
The Tigers had asked for dispensation to place Polak on the rookie list, which would have given them an extra pick in tomorrow's Pre-Season Draft, and given them more salary cap space.
Now, if the Tigers still want Cousins, they will have to use their sole pick in the PSD - No.6 - to take Cousins, breaking the heart of one of the young players which had been hoping to be picked up.
It is believed the Richmond board will meet tonight to consider its options.
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sport/afl/story/0,26576,24802094-19742,00.html
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I understand youe frustration. I'm miles away but I can feel it now how we have been stuffed about.
And to those teams there were against us I hope Terry has written them down and uses them to get the boys firered up against them. And stuff team eddie and the toothless hobo in joffa. Love to see them on the bottom real soon.
And those pie dopes don't deserve capitals to them as they are dogs. Sorry to all the tail wager out there that wasn't a surr to you.
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Goods news for Polak still being able to be put on the list.
And now do we do what was already said and take youth in Gourdis.
And then see if we can colect Cousins down further.
All I know is I'm glad I'm not the ones in that position.
I was agaist it but aver time grew to like the idea of him at home with us.
So lets wai now till tomorrow.
100% CORRECT
i am not for taking him over youth.
this is the worst result for Ben. he culd end up in trouble again i fear
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Does make you wonder if this would have happened if it was Collingwood wanting it and not us.
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Does make you wonder if this would have happened if it was Collingwood wanting it and not us.
exactly Julz
its a fu.ckin joke
eddie is so far up andy d behind its not funny
im over it
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Does make you wonder if this would have happened if it was Collingwood wanting it and not us.
You me and everyone including youe cat avatar know what the out come would have been.
Just let us keep this in our memory banks till one day they need a hand out in something simular. I hope I remeber cause they would onlt see my boot heading to kick them in the arse for asking.
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The majority of clubs were opposed to our Polak situation.
That's interesting I thought there was only a few opposed.
I wonder if it wasn't all tied in with the Cousin's saga whether it would have been better supported.
In making a contrast to the Rama situation are they saying that if we delisted him prior to the national draft it would have been the same circumstances? I am not too sure if that would have been in the best interests of Polly's rehab and I would have liked to think that we would have been rewarded for our support of him.
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Eddie's sooking worked ::)
It's the end for Benny now. What a stupid thing by Andy D to say that Cousins can reapply to be drafted next year if he misses out tomorrow.
SEN are calling for Tiger supporters to petition with their name and membership number to March to get Cousins ::). They're taking callers who want Cousins.
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It's the end for Benny now.
You think so, I reckon the pressure is going to be on the club big time now to backflip and pick him in the draft now in spite of their earlier youngster comments.
I never liked how the Polly/Ben thing was tied together, they probably had no choice with their earlier stance but it just didn't seem right.
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What goes around comes around the next time an opposition club who opposed this needs us.
Mark Doran is an idiot. He is saying we can still get Cousins and the young player we wanted. A bit hard to get the young player at pick 8 in the rookie draft if he's gone to Freo at pick 3 ::).
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Neither did I Chuck
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Doran was up here doing the locasl WIN news and somehow got to Bendigo then to the city.
And he was a weasle looking stuff then and things done change that much.
As he was a half wit reporter here so I have no idea in what they saw in him to give him a posting in the city.
Local country new and sports he could handle but not the city. Little fish, big ocean, he'll drown soon enough.
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cousins over a kid
no thanks
the afl are a effin joke
::)
Gourdis > Cousins
Kleme > Cousins
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cousins over a kid
no thanks
the afl are a effin joke
::)
Gourdis > Cousins
Kleme > Cousins
the afl have made their decision and now we should make ours
no to cousins
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cousins over a kid
no thanks
the afl are a effin joke
::)
Gourdis > Cousins
Kleme > Cousins
the afl have made their decision and now we should make ours
no to cousins
our decision should be selecting the standout player of the pre-season draft
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The fact that the RFC are having an extraordinary board meeting tonight, to me, indicates they will take Cousins at Pick 6
Rhett Bartlett
www.rhettrospective.com
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The club tried something clever and call the AFL's bluff but it just didn't come off. It's not that it lost anything by doing so. We're back in the position we were straight after the National draft when Cousins was expected to go elsewhere.
Now the club could take Cousins in the PSD and then after the rookie draft claim we got the 5 kids were after anyway but if Gourdis goes to another club then we'll all know that's not true. Taking Cousins at pick 6 would come at the expense of a kid. That's why we wanted the extra pick.
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Just in case some of you are not aware.
Richmond will be holding a press conference at 5 PM Today !
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In that perss meeting I don't think we will show our hands. But I see pick 6 used to get Ben to Tigerland. As i think we have spent a lot of time and resourcess to get him only to throw that all away now.
And i think that we all should let this go until the press meeting and if that has nothing then full bore tomorrow after pick 6 has been done.
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We'll get Ben, don't you worry about that.
I don't think there's many people like me that don't want him (and I've been umming and arrhing all day whether we should take him or not), but the club will have to go with popular opinion IMO or they'll have a riot on their hands.
I think the club were trying to do a shifty when they said they wouldn't get him.
Pretty sure they'll draft Ben.
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why not take Cousins in the Rookie Draft? is there a requirement to be eligiable for the Rookie List???
Lol Cousins doesnt quite fit under the requirements of not playing more than 10 career games and being under 23. ;D
(I think that's the requirements)
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lol, even poor old Jarrad Oakley-Nicholls couldn't escape a sledge from a Tiger supporter on SEN! :lol
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cousins over a kid
no thanks
the afl are a effin joke
::)
Gourdis > Cousins
Kleme > Cousins
the afl have made their decision and now we should make ours
no to cousins
our decision should be selecting the standout player of the pre-season draft
Cousins of pre-2007 is the standout player. What about Cousins of 2008/9? 30 year old who hasn't played footy for 15 months and counting, who did his hammy in that comeback game, who is a recovering drug addict with stipulations on him that don't apply to any other AFL player even those who are on two strikes. If we had been given pick 7 then we were getting him for nothing. Now we have to decide to pick him over a kid. Now this kid could end up a dud who doesn't last 2 years anyway or he could be the next Foley for all we know and ends up having a 10 year career. I think some supporters especially those ringing up SEN threatening to rip up their memberships ::) think Cousins is a 99% chance of being the player he was 2-3 years ago for us next year.
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lol, even poor old Jarrad Oakley-Nicholls couldn't escape a sledge from a Tiger supporter on SEN! :lol
;D
I heard that too - "Do we want Cousins or JON in the middle next year!"
The fact that the RFC are having an extraordinary board meeting tonight, to me, indicates they will take Cousins at Pick 6
Rhett Bartlett
www.rhettrospective.com
Cheers for that Rhett. Do you know if this EBM was pre-planned or organised since the AFL refused our request?
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ROFL! sorry people!
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In hindsight, Richmond should have approached the AFL and asked if we could 'reactivate' a delisted player in light of news that Graham Polak's rehabilitation has stalled and would spend all of 2009 on the LTIL.
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The excuse that Polak's situation differs to Rama's still doesn't stack up to me. Essendon could have given Rama another contract instead as when they were given permission to move Rama onto the rookie list they pulled that swifty drafting Mal Michael in the PSD after Michael had "retired" from Brisbane. Likewise we could have been callous and ruthless and paid Polak out of the last year of his contract to free up a senior list spot and washed our hands of him. Is that what we want :(. Both players suffered from exceptional circumstances that affected their health greatly and their club is a player down whether that player was contracted or not at Oct 31.
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The excuse that Polak's situation differs to Rama's still doesn't stack up to me. Essendon could have given Rama another contract instead as when they were given permission to move Rama onto the rookie list they pulled that swifty drafting Mal Michael in the PSD after Michael had "retired" from Brisbane. Likewise we could have been callous and ruthless and paid Polak out of the last year of his contract to free up a senior list spot and washed our hands of him. Is that what we want :(. Both players suffered from exceptional circumstances that affected their health greatly and their club is a player down whether that player was contracted or not at Oct 31.
You know MT I have seriously had a gutfall of Andy the silly stuff and his sidekick
If it were the pies it would have been granted. I would put my house on that right now.
Its a disgrace really
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Agree there MT, I think to cut Polak and make the circumstances closer to Rama's could have affected the rehab and well being of Polly. We showed good faith to him that we were not going to cut him and that he will always be a part of our team.
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The excuse that Polak's situation differs to Rama's still doesn't stack up to me. Essendon could have given Rama another contract instead as when they were given permission to move Rama onto the rookie list they pulled that swifty drafting Mal Michael in the PSD after Michael had "retired" from Brisbane. Likewise we could have been callous and ruthless and paid Polak out of the last year of his contract to free up a senior list spot and washed our hands of him. Is that what we want :(. Both players suffered from exceptional circumstances that affected their health greatly and their club is a player down whether that player was contracted or not at Oct 31.
As I said on another thread
With Rama Essendon looked after one of their own, that's what the Tigers have done with Polak. To say they are totally different is bizarre at best
The AFL set a precendent with Rama, they have ignored that precedent today..
Please explain
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3aw reckon Richmond board members will meet very early tomorrow morning when Gary March returns from overseas. The PSD is at 10am.
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This decision was an Eddie McGuire inspired decision.
Eddie lobbies poorer clubs eg Dogs Saints Roos be against it or no home game against us.
Furthermore his pull at AFL board level in terms of attendances change guernseys priority picks salary cap etc also suggests a fairer system to keep the Pies competitive.
The way I see it if the Pies cannot rort the rules or find a loophole in the system then nobody can. I think that if their was no Ben Cousins involved and we went for two youngsters tomorrow there would not be a fuss and media frenzy about this and be seen as a correct decision by the footy club.
This proves to me that until we win games of footy become entrentched in the 8 and play in grannies and start winning them to really awake the sleeping giant we will go nowhere in situations such as this and lose to the wishes of the Collingwood inspired AFL. Then and only then will you find then Collingwood wanting to suck our rear ends hoping we play an away game against them that will guarantee 90000 at the G and a plethoa of other things with us. Then we can call them small fry and get what we want as we will have the money, crowd pull, members AFL support to do what we want.
Anyone here old enough to remember the Windy Hill Brawl in 1974. I wan born later that year but didn't Graham Richmond go from being suspended indefinentely or for the remainder of the season and having a $2000 fine which back then was the equivalent of a squillion dollars in todays money for his part in the melee to having his fine and suspension rescinded. Success and money equals power as was the case with us in 1974. Lets hope we get there again and then as far as Eddie is concerned he can whine like the hungry leper that he is as all his protest will fall on deaf ears. Lesson learned Tigers now get on with making the right decisions and move forward so we can stuff everyone off and become the most feared predator in the AFL jungle and not a pushover to the ilk of Andy D and Eddie.
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Wallace just drove into Punt Road about 30 mins ago.
Cousins will be us next year :thumbsup
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Wallace just drove into Punt Road about 30 mins ago.
Cousins will be us next year :thumbsup
You do know he works there you know
Talk about grasping straws
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Just let this be until tomorrow, then we can say yahoo we got him or who ever we finally get.
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AFL Commission pulls Tigers' tail on Cousins deal
Mike Sheahan
December 15, 2008 11:00pm
THE AFL Commission has called Richmond's bluff and in so doing the message has been sent loud and clear: if you want Ben Cousins, you assume all risks.
The Commission has deemed Richmond to be opportunistic in their cheeky bid to park the injured Graham Polak on the rookie list, creating a vacancy for Cousins on the primary list.
It has surprised many observers by denying the Richmond request on Polak, leaving the Tigers with only their pre-existing No. 6 selection in today's pre-season draft to claim the fallen West Coast champion.
AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou is known to be have been keen to see Cousins get another chance. Perhaps Demetriou doesn't always get his way, after all.
So, now it's up to the Tigers. Do they remain faithful to their oft-declared promise to take a rookie at No. 6 today? Or do they gamble on one of the great players of the modern era, a 30-year-old champion with a drug problem that many believe remains as significant as it has been for 10 years?
It is a tough call. Cousins might be the difference between missing the finals and finishing in the top four in 2009.
Then again, he might be no different to the troubled star who ultimately forced West Coast to delist him.
The Cousins camp has performed poorly in recent months. There has been no contrition, no show of faith, no credible bid for public understanding and sympathy.
He has told several clubs he is desperate for another chance, yet he hasn't convinced them he has changed his ways. Or his shady associates.
Now it's down to Richmond president Gary March and coach Terry Wallace.
The strong suspicion is that Wallace is driving the push for Cousins, with March mindful of the inevitable backlash among sponsors and supporters that will follow if Cousins falls over. What we say is this: if the Tigers were prepared to take Cousins in at Punt Rd with a possible second selection today, they should take him with their solitary pick.
It is ludicrous to suggest any rookie could match the impact of Cousins, on or off the field.
Cousins in the right shape and frame of mind is a top-10 player.
He is a champion. He is capable of lifting the Tigers into premiership contention. His history, though, says he is just as capable of succumbing again to his addiction.
http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,24804815-10389,00.html
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Either way I'll be glad this circus will be over come midday tomorrow.
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The fact that the RFC are having an extraordinary board meeting tonight, to me, indicates they will take Cousins at Pick 6
Rhett Bartlett
www.rhettrospective.com
Intesting news. Thanksfor sharing.
Bentleigh.
www.bentleigh.com