Ben Cousins in push to make opener (Herald-Sun)

[one-eyed]

Ben Cousins in push to make opener
Jon Ralph From: Herald Sun March 23, 2010


RICHMOND veteran Ben Cousins is on the verge of convincing the Tigers hierarchy he is ready to roll in Round 1.

Cousins trained solidly yesterday for Thursday night's match against Carlton, despite missing three sessions in the past fortnight with stomach pain.

Two stints in hospital meant the Tigers were set to rest Cousins.

But while Cousins has not yet been given the go-ahead, it will be tempting for new coach Damien Hardwick to roll the dice with his 31-year-old midfield star at the MCG.

The club will conduct a light session tomorrow, with a decision likely to rest on discussions between Hardwick and the medical staff.

Richmond is aware Cousins' fitness base is vastly ahead of this time last year when he was rushed in for its Round 1 clash and tore a hamstring.

Tigers general manager of football Craig Cameron said the club had not yet made a call on the former West Coast captain.

"He trained all right today, but we don't have to make a call until Wednesday," he said.

Cousins has missed just three sessions since Christmas, but the ones held while he was in Epworth Hospital were of critical importance.

Dustin Martin and Relton Roberts will make their AFL debuts, while former Port Adelaide and Calder Cannons midfielder Mitch Farmer is also expected to play his first game for the Tigers.

The selectors are also understood to be considering blooding another youngster, with 20-year-old South Australian midfielder Ben Nason and Northern Territory forward Troy Taylor in the mix.

Richmond will not consider rookie Alroy Gilligan, who has been granted leave to sort out personal issues in Western Australia.

The small forward from Fitzroy Crossing was not at the club's jumper presentation on Friday.

While the Richmond side that enters Round 1 will be extraordinarily raw, it will still be close to full strength, with midfielder Nathan Foley (ankle soreness) the only key player missing.

The Tigers second draft pick, forward Ben Griffiths, is still recovering from a shoulder reconstruction, while their next pick David Astbury (No.35) is likely to play in the VFL, after recovering from a bruised heel.

Jake King will miss the game through suspension after earning a one-week ban for striking Collingwood's Travis Cloke in a practice match on March 5.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/ben-cousins-in-push-to-make-opener/story-e6frf9jf-1225844054743

[WilliamPowell]

Richmond will not consider rookie Alroy Gilligan, who has been granted leave to sort out personal issues in Western Australia.

The small forward from Fitzroy Crossing was not at the club's jumper presentation on Friday.

There you go everyone mystery solved -   

[Mr Magic]

I expect Cousins to play.
Axe aside it's pretty well a full list to choose from for round 1 which is a nice change.
We'll need it.

[one-eyed]

Cuz expected to face Blues
richmondfc.com.au
By Mic Cullen 12:27 PM Tue 23 March, 2010


RICHMOND star Ben Cousins is set to play in the season opener against Carlton despite a couple of recent stays in hospital.

The top Tiger has been twice hospitalised with a mystery gastric complaint, but has trained well over the last week and looks certain to be named to play.

Cousins debuted for Richmond in the first round last year - after a year out of football when he was deregistered by the AFL - but injured his hamstring early in the final term of that match and missed the following five weeks.

But Richmond defender Kel Moore said he expected the 2005 Brownlow medalist to bring some experience to the young Tigers team, along with the only other player over 30 on the Richmond list, ruckman Troy Simmonds, who was carrying an ankle earlier in the year.

"He's going very well - I think he is likely to play," he told afl.com.au. "All reports are that he's going to play.

"Along with Simmo, at his age he's looking fitter and stronger than ever - you just see him train and he's got such a wise head on his shoulders that he just knows where to go, where to get the ball."

The Tigers and the Blues kick off the season on Thursday night at the MCG in what is turning into the traditional season opener.

The Tigers were spanked in last year's game, with the Blues setting the tone for Richmond's season with an 83-point thrashing.

Moore, who turns 26 on Thursday night, said the growing tradition of the first clash of the season was adding spice to what was already a fierce rivalry.

"Everyone's just excited about round one and getting out there and playing, and to play Carlton, and to beat Carlton, would be a great start to the season.

"Considering what they did to us last year we've got a bit of payback, and it's about time we repaid all our supporters and actually got out there and put in a good performance.

"We'd be looking up towards the 80,000 (attendance) I'd have thought - it's a good opportunity to come out and see the first game of the year.

"So for all the supporters out there, get down and buy a membership, and come and support both Richmond and me, on my birthday (laughs)."

http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/6301/newsid/90889/default.aspx