Cogs running into fitness (Herald-Sun)

[one-eyed]

Tiger running into fitness
By Rebecca Williams
Herald-Sun / newstext.com.au
Edition 1 - FIRSTSAT 20 JAN 2007, Page 081

HE IS known as one of the dolphins in the rehab group at Punt Rd Oval, but Mark Coughlan is ready to reclaim his mantle on dry land in the Tigers' midfield this year.

Richmond's 2003 best-and-fairest winner is on track for a return early in the home-and-away season from the knee injury he suffered in Round 12 last year against Hawthorn.

After months of running, Coughlan has stepped up his training in the past fortnight, completing a full session with his teammates on Wednesday.

But the 24-year-old did not take part in yesterday's match practice at Victoria Park.

He is at least a month off one-on-one work.

However, Coughlan is confident of a Rounds 1-5 return.

After the second major injury setback of his career -- he missed most of the 2004 season with a lingering groin condition -- Coughlan knows the importance of the year ahead.

``I'm in a bit of a vulnerable position and this year's really important to me,'' he said.

``I just want to get things right now. I've had a few injuries, so I am getting a bit smarter with my body now.''

While my fitness might be off a bit, I really want to be peaking in the second half of the year.''
Coughlan said he had learned from past experiences to not rush his recovery.

``You've got to find a balance between pushing your body and looking after it,'' he said.

While Coughlan's immediate aim is for an early-season return, he is desperate to taste finals action for the first time.

``There's a couple of guys getting on a bit, Richo (Matthew Richardson) and Bowdo (Joel Bowden) and those sort of guys,'' Coughlan said.

``It would just be nice to get them in the finals because they've only got two or three years left in them.

``I've played 80 or 90 games and haven't played in a final yet. That's what I'm really aiming for this year.''

newstext.com.au

[mightytiges]

He is at least a month off one-on-one work.

However, Coughlan is confident of a Rounds 1-5 return.

After the second major injury setback of his career -- he missed most of the 2004 season with a lingering groin condition -- Coughlan knows the importance of the year ahead.

There's no need to risk rushing Cogs back for the early rounds. He did his knee in round 12 last year so his 12 months recovery isn't until mid-season which is the usual time they give knees. We'd be better off being cautious and give him all the time he needs.

[Gracie]

Wouldn't hurt to hold him back until he is 100% as it gives the younger guys a chance to step up and perform. If they do adding Cogs back into the midfield rotation will only improve our strength in that area.

[WilliamPowell]

``I'm in a bit of a vulnerable position and this year's really important to me,'' he said.

I wonder what he means by being in "vulnerable position"  ???

I would think it would be totally the opposite, he's just been promoted to the senior leadership group, the coaches rate him highly etc

I find that a puzzling statement

Then again maybe he's monitoring our favourite player game 

[mightytiges]

``I'm in a bit of a vulnerable position and this year's really important to me,'' he said.

I wonder what he means by being in "vulnerable position"  ???

I would think it would be totally the opposite, he's just been promoted to the senior leadership group, the coaches rate him highly etc

I find that a puzzling statement

Then again maybe he's monitoring our favourite player game 

He's seen you've had him in your gunsight WP 

The fact he is not playing in any of the scratch matches must be frustrating for Cogs. Doing all the running and footy technique drills doesn't compensate for the real stuff. I overheard Plough tell a fan on the fence today that they just want to get into it. Cogs would also see some of the younger guys like Lids, Blingers, Foley and White step up a level or two in the midfield and realise he's gone from our future No. 1 midfielder and potential captain after he won his B&F to now just being another member of our midfield rotation potentially slipping behind(?) these kids i the pecking order. He's busting his guts out in the rehab group with what he is allowed to do (which is most things excluding scratch matches) but not being able to go out and compete and show Plough he's still a main option for us must be frustrating for him.

[WilliamPowell]

He's seen you've had him in your gunsight WP 

Who me