State of the footy nation
Matt Windley | March 24, 2009 05:20pm
IT'S just two more sleeps to Round 1. As the excitement builds, here's the latest news from your club. RICHMONDPRE-SEASON FORM
W Fremantle 3pts
L Collingwood 46pts
L St Kilda 52pts
W Brisbane Lions 15pts
WHAT'S NEW?
Alex Rance is the youngster most likely to debut early, although that is more likely to be Round 3 or 4 than this week. Ex-Power midfielder Adam Thomson is in the selection mix. Expect Joel Bowden to play as a permanent forward.
MEDICAL ROOM
Mark Coughlin - the 2003 B&F winner - continues to be hampered by knee soreness. Trent Cotchin is still weeks away from resuming in the VFL and Kayne Pettifer (knee) is on the long-term injury list until Round 3. Kane Johnson is out with a knee complaint. There has been no date set for the return of Graham Polak.
GLASS HALF-FULL
Ben Cousins adds polish to an emerging midfield led by 2008 B&F winner Brett Deledio. Will Thursfield and Kelvin Moore hold down key defensive spots and Jack Riewoldt makes centre half-forward his own, while a floating Richo and medium forwards Nathan Brown and Mitch Morton kick enough goals to get the Tigers into September for the first time since 2001.
GLASS HALF-EMPTY
Cousins' dodgy hammies return and Troy Simmonds goes down, exposing a lack of depth in the ruck. The lack of a full-forward costs the Tigers dearly and it's ninth, again.
BUZZ PLAYER
Ben Cousins
How can it be anyone else? All eyes will be on the disgraced champion tomorrow night. Steady improvement over the pre-season, culminating in 25 touches in the last practice match, have him primed.
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sport/afl/story/0,26576,25235796-19742,00.html
