Malthouse in the HeraldSun:The mind wants but the body can’t deliver, and frustration sets in.
I’ve noticed that with Cotchin in past couple of years. He becomes undisciplined if things don’t go the way he wants. Hardwick might feel like he owes Cotchin the chance, but with Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper recruited to slide into the midfield, where does that leave Cotchin?
His sheer guts and determination will assure that he’s competitive, but will he be game changing or contribute much to the score line playing forward? Yes, it’s a team effort, but if he becomes a passenger, then what?
After such a magnificent career, I wouldn’t want that for Cotchin. I’m not sure he’s played back before, but I think Hardwick needs to at least try him there.
He did it with Daniel Rioli who was just a cameo star on the forward line, but is now one of the league’s premier running backs.
Survival depends on adaptability.
Scott Pendlebury is a classic case. One of the smartest players going around, you won’t see him play forward too often.
He adds value to Collingwood’s midfield by playing a cameo role, and is extending his career by playing half-back, where he can still direct traffic. He’s not quick, but he slows the game down, and his reading of the play is second to none, which is why it works so well.
For the sake of the Tigers and Dockers, and for the pride of two brilliant contributors to our game, Pendlebury could be the perfect template for Cotchin and Fyfe.
https://www.codesports.com.au/afl/mick-malthouse-ponders-how-afl-clubs-should-utilise-ageing-superstars/news-story/d8644740885ff78ca3a06bfd09153779
