Fit Cousins ready to play. But will he? (RFC)

[one-eyed]

Fit Cousins ready to play. But will he?
richmondfc.com.au
By Mic Cullen 10:50 AM Wed 06 May, 2009

DESPITE heading to the rooms with multiple ice-packs strapped to his body during the last term of Coburg's loss to Casey on Saturday, Richmond's star recruit Ben Cousins is fit and ready to go.

The only problem is that Coburg seniors have a bye this weekend, so Cousins has to either play in the AFL or in the seconds at Coburg.

Given that he has pulled up well from his comeback match after a hamstring injury,  logic dictates that he will play in the AFL this weekend – after all, what's the point of running a fit 30-year-old Brownlow medallist around in the VFL seconds, or giving him a week off after such a long break already?

But Ross Monaghan, Richmond's football manager, was giving no indication on Wednesday of where the premiership player was likely to play this weekend.

"All good, no problem, he's recovered really well, so he's right to go," Monaghan told richmondfc.com.au.

"The ice-packs were just normal precautionary stuff – a few bumps and bruises, so that's just the usual stuff for the day of the game.

"Playing-wise, we won't decide that until Thursday. Coburg haven't got a game this weekend, they've got the bye, so he'll either play with us or won't play."

The Tigers were happy with Cousins' output in the match, given that they had limited his game time.

"We certainly thought he was one of the better players for Coburg and he did pretty well given he didn't play a full game.

"We were certainly pleased with what he did."

Richmond's other midfield gun to play in that match was Trent Cotchin, who is returning from an achilles injury that has kept him out of the AFL all season.

"Cotch was a little down – not that he wanted to use it as an excuse, but he had a little bit of flu coming into the game.

"By his own admission he was a little disappointed in what he produced on Saturday, so we'll just have to work out where he's up to in the overall scheme of things."

http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/76322/default.aspx

[Fishfinger]

The only problem is that Coburg seniors have a bye this weekend, so Cousins has to either play in the AFL or in the seconds at Coburg.

Coburg seconds have a bye as well.

[Stripes]

But who will he replace? 

Stripes

[Chuck17]

But who will he replace? 

Stripes

If he plays forward then probably JON (although I think JON probably should stay in the team a bit longer to show if he has got what it takes)
If he plays as a sweeper in defence maybe Jordy
If he plays midfield them probably Collins (which I hope Collins doesnt go out of the side, I wasn't sure about him given how light framed he is but I have been impressed with his games to date plus the ability to kick a few goals when we have been struggling as a team goes down well as well)

[mightytiges]

I still wouldn't play Cuz yet. He just played 60% gametime at VFL level so he's hardly going to play more than 50% at AFL level at best. There shouldn't be exceptions until you can play close to 100% gametime at Coburg. If it means his comeback won't be until the dreamtime game then so be it. Same goes with Cotch.

[mat073]

It sounds like a case of Terry having to hold his nerve at the moment.I believe the team is capable of winning 4 of its next 6 games-with or without Cuz & Cotch.

[camboon]

Yes, I can't see anything to gain by rushing players back only for them to break down.

Simmo or Sarge for Richo and possibly Petts for Mitch Morton. The kids have done enough to keep there spots and to drop them would be couter productive.

Also Morton should be run through the middle / up the ground from time to time specialy if hes being overwelmed. His brothers are reasonable mid fielders and so is Mitch given a chance. As with Richo it might warm him up and give him a bit confidence!

[Jackstar is back]

Ross Monaghan , stop the crap.
The side is picked on a Monday.
why not come out and just say,instead of the verbal crap you give the media.
No wonder the media get stuck into the tiges.

[bojangles17]

cuz and cotch should play, just say CC

[one-eyed]

Ben Cousins ready to go against Brisbane Lions
Mark Robinson | May 07, 2009

BEN Cousins' Coburg journey appears to be over and he is a likely starter against the Brisbane Lions at the MCG on Saturday.

Cousins is expected to be named in Richmond's line-up if he completes training today.

A light training session tomorrow is his last hurdle.

Coburg seniors have a bye this weekend, so coach Terry Wallace's decision is to play Cousins against the Lions or he does not play at all.

Coburg's reserves are not an option.

He played close to 75 per cent of game time last weekend, and despite applying multiple ice-packs post-game, the Tigers say he is ready to play.

Richmond football manager Ross Monaghan confirmed Cousins' availability at richmondfc.com.au yesterday.

"All good, no problem. He's recovered really well, so he's right to go," Monaghan said.

"Playing-wise, we won't decide that until Thursday. Coburg haven't got a game this weekend, they've got the bye, so he'll either play with us or won't play.

"We certainly thought he was one of the better players for Coburg and he did pretty well, given he didn't play a full game."

Young gun Trent Cotchin, who played last week suffering the flu, is likely to have another game at Coburg.

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sport/afl/story/0,26576,25440552-19742,00.html

[one-eyed]

SEN news saying Cousins is in.