Gary was just on SEN with Mark Robinson, Lloyd and co.....
* Asked if the club it totally comfortable with how Cuz will go post-footy? Wouldn't say totally comfortable as even Ben's admitted he's got to continue to work at it but we are far more comfortable with it than where he was 2 years ago. He's equipped to go on now.
* Board found out only last week. Cuz has told March he would love to stay around the club. However talking to him he thinks Ben would want 12-18 months time away.
* Robbo believes Richmond has gained a lot of respect.
* Robbo asked March if he believed it was only coffee and sleeping tablets when Cuz was rushed to hospital 5 weeks ago? Gary said absolutely. We knew he took sleeping tablets. He simply took the wrong medication. Gary didn't have to ask Ben about it as Cuz sent March a txt message. Ben also spoke to Craig Cameron and Hardwick.
* Gary then spoke about drafting him. They had a meeting at Craig Cameron's dad's place to keep it out of the spotlight. Spoke to a number of people including Ricky Nixon and Ben's counsellor Carol Dawes.
* Robbo said Cuz took ice and choice of drug was cocaine. Gary said Ben was honest about his addition. Took us through where he was in his recovery and how much footy meant to him. We felt he was at a stage in his recovery to take a chance.
* Ben got straight A's at school and was halfway through a MBA. So deep down he's a smart guy. Had smart people around him to invest his money.
* Initially it was tough for Ben to assilimate but as he got confidence in the club and the group he came out of himself. March had some time with him given Ben initially stayed at Gary's place.
* Cuz has brought an intensity to the group.
* Robbo said Richmond has become a stronger club and gained respect. Gary admitted the club had no respect so we badly needed it. Brught in good people like Benny Gale, Craig Cameron and Hardwick.
* Next year need to make a step forward. Getting into the top 8 is a bit premature though. The 3-0-75 plan was more about 2012-13-14. Apart from Newy, Tuck who are the older players we have a young group. They have a long way to go.
* Gold Coast is not much of an induction on us. Cameron when he came in 3 years ago said we needed to pay 92.5% of the salary cap by 2011.
* Martin had an outstanding first year. Robbo reckons Martin will be the highest paid 20 year old to ever play the game - $350-400 per year. Gary said denied he'd be the highest paid.
* Gary said he's never seen such a closely bonded group in his time. Opportunity to go through as one together like Geelong, St Kilda, Collingwoods did.
* Lloyd reckons Richmond is 2-3 years behind Melbourne. Maher said Melbourne had 10 first and second round picks not playing when we played the Dees. Richmond had just 4.
