Cousins to make Subiaco return
richmondfc.com.au
By Mic Cullen 12:09 PM Wed 27 May, 2009
RICHMOND midfielder Ben Cousins is set to return to Subiaco Oval this weekend, less than a fortnight after breaking his hand in Adelaide.
Cousins suffered the injury early in the first term of the Tigers heartbreaking last-gasp loss to Port Adelaide in round eight, but still managed to gather 24 touches in a brave and eye-catching performance.
If passed fit, it will be Cousins' first appearance at Subiaco Oval the ground where he appeared 110 times for West Coast in a decorated career that saw a flag, a Brownlow and four club champion awards since his sacking from the Eagles in late 2007.
Richmond football manager Ross Monaghan told afl.com.au that Cousins was recovering nicely.
"He did what was required, so he's progressing well," Monaghan said.
"We'll make a final decision on Thursday when we train properly, but all indications are that he should be okay, but a firm decision hasn't been made yet."
In more good news, Alex Rance will play this weekend, just three weeks after his sickening head-on collision likened by coach Terry Wallace to a "car crash" with Lion Troy Selwood, which saw him spend the night in hospital with concussion after being operated on to have various plates inserted in his head.
"He's good he'll play this weekend," Monaghan said.
"I dont know with which team it will be, yet, but as long as he gets through all the training on Thursday, he'll be fine."
Emerging ruckman Angus Graham missed last weekend with hamstring tightness and the Tigers are less enthusiastic about his chances of getting up for this weekend, while Shane Edwards' speed would be a considerable asset at Subiaco.
Coburg, Richmond's VFL affiliate, had a strong win over the Bendigo Bombers on the weekend, and Monaghan said several players had put their hands up for promotion back in to the AFL.
"Jack Riewoldt has kicked six, two weeks in a row, so he's found some pretty good form, Monaghan said.
"Shane has been up and down between the Richmond and Coburg sides, but he's another one who will certainly come under consideration."
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