One-Eyed Richmond Forum
Football => Richmond Rant => Topic started by: {X} on August 08, 2007, 07:52:37 AM
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does this put cogs in the same cateogory? it should
and what about sugar, his hand injury has stopped himn playing all yr also.
has anyone noticed sigar play this yr , i havent! :rollin
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well if Hall, Knobel, Coughlan, Meyer, & a few other aint gone l be disapointed
Honestly, give me a serious reason to delist Cogs??
When there are so many others that need to go first. Howat, Moore, Hartigan etc.
To get rid of Cogs would turn into another Rodan situation. :banghead
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Honestly, give me a serious reason to delist Cogs??
When there are so many others that need to go first. Howat, Moore, Hartigan etc.
To get rid of Cogs would turn into another Rodan situation. :banghead
It's not another Rodan situation at all. Coughlan has had two recos.
The harsh reality is only a handful of footballers have got back to anywhere near their best after doing so.
He's also had a history of OP and ankle problems.
The game hasn't gotten any slower.
Cogs was good but he is broken.
We need to get better and it's extremely unlikely that Coughlan will ever get back near his best.
Extremely unlikely. :(
I would have no issue with the club making a tough decision on this tough Tiger.
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well if Hall, Knobel, Coughlan, Meyer, & a few other aint gone l be disapointed
Honestly, give me a serious reason to delist Cogs??
When there are so many others that need to go first. Howat, Moore, Hartigan etc.
To get rid of Cogs would turn into another Rodan situation. :banghead
good reply the Magic you summed it up nicely
Cogs was a good footballer but is broken & out of the game 2 years & thats 2 years off pace gone & 2 years off onfield a & alot of new players he never played with as well as fighting for his place with likes of Foley Polo Tambling Deledio Tuck & so on, would take him awhile to get back to game pace & alertness & ability to read the game again
l wish Cogs all the best in his recovery & would really hope l'm proved wrong but l seen it before with Tony Free who had enormous passion for the Richmond jumper but then again he is not Tony Free & the medical & rehab is alot different these days
Yes there are others who need to go but Cogs maybe a good trade off for the club its a tough decision that needs to be looked at really hard
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Honestly, give me a serious reason to delist Cogs??
When there are so many others that need to go first. Howat, Moore, Hartigan etc.
To get rid of Cogs would turn into another Rodan situation. :banghead
It's not another Rodan situation at all. Coughlan has had two recos.
The harsh reality is only a handful of footballers have got back to anywhere near their best after doing so.
He's also had a history of OP and ankle problems.
The game hasn't gotten any slower.
Cogs was good but he is broken.
We need to get better and it's extremely unlikely that Coughlan will ever get back near his best.
Extremely unlikely. :(
I would have no issue with the club making a tough decision on this tough Tiger.
So give him 1 year with a full pre-season to show he is spent before delisting him after paying him to sit on the boundry line for the majority of two years.
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So give him 1 year with a full pre-season to show he is spent before delisting him after paying him to sit on the boundry line for the majority of two years.
Why guarantee him a year?
This isn't a charity club although you may be forgiven for thinking it is.
Don't get loss in the romance of what is a very unfortunate situation.
I would not sign him at all until he has proven his knee will withstand the rigors of AFL football.
That means full and searching medical & fitness test once he has finished his rehab.
His knee collapsed in the shower the second time.
How is it going to go when it's crunched in a pack on a regular basis?
That needs to be ascertained as much as possible.
If it fails to stand up I would rather look at another option.
Believe me when I say if he can make it back I will be thrilled but he is going to need some help from above.
Time will tell.
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So give him 1 year with a full pre-season to show he is spent before delisting him after paying him to sit on the boundry line for the majority of two years.
Why guarantee him a year?
This isn't a charity club although you may be forgiven for thinking it is.
Don't get loss in the romance of what is a very unfortunate situation.
I would not sign him at all until he has proven his knee will withstand the rigors of AFL football.
That means full and searching medical & fitness test once he has finished his rehab.
His knee collapsed in the shower the second time.
How is it going to go when it's crunched in a pack on a regular basis?
That needs to be ascertained as much as possible.
If it fails to stand up I would rather look at another option.
Believe me when I say if he can make it back I will be thrilled but he is going to need some help from above.
Time will tell.
THere is not time for that! By the time delistments come about his knee will just be ready to start jogging etc. and trying to get back over the pre-season to his once peak fitness, that is why we must keep him!
It's not about romance, it's about the fact there are people other than Cogs I dont wont on the list far before I get to Cogs name!
He deserves another year.
And if you havent noticed Cogs just turned 25. He has time on his side in relation to recovering from injuries.
One year will not hurt us or him. It's the only way. Throwing a kid out without testing him is completely stupid. It's not degenerative like Ray Hall's either.
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Cogs is jogging already. The knee after the first op didn't sound stable from the start for the knee to go again in the shower. There probably was much structural damage outside of the ACL the second time. I was told a while back that Cogs' knee is finally stable second time around.
I would keep him. His trade value would be minimial anyway and as others have mentioned there are so many obvious names that will go in a year where the draft has poor depth. Michael Wilson of Port came back from two knees so it can be done.
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Plenty of footballers have had duel knee reco's me included which mine was serious & l can still play footy without problems but lost some speed from age ;D :cheers but could still get a senior game np so there's proof on the subject of knee reco's & comebacks from them
l'm talking about Cogs more from league point of view which IMO the speed of the game has increased due to rule changes of which Cogs has never been part of yet & could take a year to adapt too
Now l dont go to training sessions anymore ;D so l dont know how Cogs rehab is going maybe l just have to pop into the city early this Friday as l force myself to watch this comming crappy game
l like to hear more opinions on Gogs & his training we a lucky group here cause there are a few stalkers among us ;D who get down there to each training session dont ya girls
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And like clockwork . . . . . :lol :thumbsup
Coughlan nears training return
7:02 PM Wed 8 August, 2007 | Back
By: Greg Lange
for richmondfc.com.au
TIGER fans, get excited. Mark Coughlan will be returning to the Punt Road training track in a couple of weeks. And despite the year he’s had, he could not be happier about beginning his 2008 pre-season so early.
“I guess one of the positives out of doing your knee just before the season starts is you have a full 12 months off,” Coughlan tells richmondfc.com.au.
“So I’ll be able to get a full pre-season in the tank next year.”
Coughlan’s positive outlook is a good sign for the Richmond faithful, who were shattered when their 2003 Jack Dyer medallist re-injured the same knee which ended his season in round 12 last year.
However, if you’d bumped into the talented tiger seven months ago, it’s unlikely you would have found him feeling so cheery.
Coughlan took a couple of months off immediately after injuring his knee. “Being the second year in a row, I just needed a bit of time to get away,” he says.
After returning and embarking on the all-too familiar knee-rehab activities of riding, swimming and leg weights, he found his mood mirrored the health of his knee.
“I was a bit up and down,” he says. “When things are going well you are upbeat and positive, whereas when things are not going well, you are doom and gloom.”
“However, I have had a bit of experience with injuries, so I have learned to handle them better than I used to.”
Over the last month, under the guidance of specialists Warren Kofoed, who helped with Nathan Brown’s injury, and club physio Matthew Hornsby, Coughlan has been boosted by his return to running after a six-month layoff.
“It was good to get that away,” he says. “When you have your first run you feel pretty good again.”
In a couple of weeks time he is set to receive another shot of confidence when he rejoins his teammates for training. Not that this will wipe out the frustration he’s been feeling on the sidelines while the club has endured one of its most testing seasons.
“While you are a part of the group, you are not actually out there playing,” he says.
“All you can do is try and support the guys as much as you can, which is pretty important at the moment.”
TIGER TALK
Mark, what was the most painful part of your knee injury?
When the pain-killers run out. I have had surgery to a couple parts of the body, but in terms of pain after the surgery, the knee is definitely the worst.
Some have joked that your failed attempts at gaining your driver’s license when you were 18 taught you persistence, and this has helped you mentally in your rehab.
Failing your license three times is not something you bring up with your mates. But it’s true, it probably did help in some ways.
http://www.richmondfc.com.au/Season2007/News/NewsArticle/tabid/6301/Default.aspx?newsId=48823
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just great news ...
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And like clockwork . . . . . :lol :thumbsup
Coughlan nears training return
Blah, blah..
Forgive my skepticism about media releases that come out of the club re player injuries. Their track record over the past few years speaks for itself.
IMO the club should be looking to move on from the likes of Coughlan, Tuck & Johnson altogether.
Even when Cogs was semi fit last season he was not having the impact of the elite onballers of the competition. No where near it.
His best was behind him as he struggled with groin and ankle injuries which often resulted in shocking disposal. Many forget this it seems.
I would hope the club is setting it's focus on the Foley's, Connors, Edwards, Tamblings, Deledios, Cotchins etc.. of this world and cutting it's loses with a midfield that is both slow and has poor disposal over a long period. 25 or not Coughlan is not going to get any faster after his injury in a game that has increased in pace significantly over the past two years.
However if Cogs is in fact signed, which knowing Miller is likely, it should be with zero expectations from supporters.
With that comes a one year contract at moderate wages with the option for another if his knee holds together.
He will be nothing more than a bit player in his first season back from a double reco. Virtually a project player as he spends the year readjusting himself to the intensity of AFL football again. Hadley up north is a case in point.
Expect nothing and we might be surprised but I have my doubts. The statistics are not on his side unfortunatrely.
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the bloke is about 3 big injuries worse off than Dragacevic,ffs.
I'm not expecting anything from his war torn limbs - poor guy.
Wes should trade or delist him
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the bloke is about 3 big injuries worse off than Dragacevic,ffs.
I'm not expecting anything from his war torn limbs - poor guy.
Spot on.
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Reckon the AFL should have some consideration for long term injuries in the salary cap.
Realistically if we are playing the odds, we should probably send him packing, which is pretty heartless. But if we could pay him 100% of his contract next season and only be charged at 80% towards the salary cap it might make it a bit easier for everyone.
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Expect nothing and we might be surprised but I have my doubts. The statistics are not on his side unfortunatrely.
Agree Magic about what our expectations should be about Cogs next year. I still think, on the condition his knee does hold up, he'll be a handy bit player. A Tiger with footy smarts who at least will allow Foley periods of rest during a game from what we have now where Axel has to win the ball for us all by himself. We also should be drafting a ballwinner too like a Masten from WA as well as putting the onus on the cubs who've been around for 3-4 years to bust a gut over preseason and step up in the midfield next year as Foley has done.
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draga had far superior skill and class than cogs. if draga didnt have bad luck with his knees he would have been a superstar
cogs, im sorry to say, should be delisted. hos knees are good, but not just that he has had a whole career marred by injury
as its been said, we are not a charity, and nor shoudl we feel sorry for him.
thats life, thats footy , move on and cogs should be gone, but the tigers will keep him because we are the only team to fails to make hard decisions
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Reckon the AFL should have some consideration for long term injuries in the salary cap.
Realistically if we are playing the odds, we should probably send him packing, which is pretty heartless. But if we could pay him 100% of his contract next season and only be charged at 80% towards the salary cap it might make it a bit easier for everyone.
Thinks that's a pretty good idea Jake.
You could you use it in place of a "veterans" spot on the list. That is instead of having someone listed as a veteran, place a person like cogs on the list - same rules regarding salary cap etc would apply
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Reading back some of my posts today, on the face of it they seem pretty heartless.
However the reality is Coughlan has missed a large amount of football the past three seasons through injury.
He's probably the most injury prone player I can ever remember at Richmond despite his age.
It's unfortunate what has happened to him and I feel for the guy but the Draga comparisons are relevant.
As far as absence through injury is concerned Cogs is no Richo or James Hird.
It's a big risk to persevere with him after TWO recos and a history of groin and ankle problems. A big risk.
If he struggles to get through intense medicals, then we should cut our losses and go with another fresh face.
The last thing I want to see is Coughlan signed and continuing to struggle, leaving us a player down.
How does that help us whatsoever??????
Look at Connors last weekend as a case in point. Tragedy creates opportunity.
We need to move on.
Sad as it is, the reality is Coughlan won't ever be the same and isn't going to make the difference to our team that some of the faithful hope
I want Richmond to be a ruthless powerhouse again. Not a charity case.
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And like clockwork . . . . . :lol :thumbsup
Coughlan nears training return
Blah, blah..
Forgive my skepticism about media releases that come out of the club re player injuries. Their track record over the past few years speaks for itself.
IMO the club should be looking to move on from the likes of Coughlan, Tuck & Johnson altogether.
Even when Cogs was semi fit last season he was not having the impact of the elite onballers of the competition. No where near it.
His best was behind him as he struggled with groin and ankle injuries which often resulted in shocking disposal. Many forget this it seems.
I would hope the club is setting it's focus on the Foley's, Connors, Edwards, Tamblings, Deledios, Cotchins etc.. of this world and cutting it's loses with a midfield that is both slow and has poor disposal over a long period. 25 or not Coughlan is not going to get any faster after his injury in a game that has increased in pace significantly over the past two years.
However if Cogs is in fact signed, which knowing Miller is likely, it should be with zero expectations from supporters.
With that comes a one year contract at moderate wages with the option for another if his knee holds together.
He will be nothing more than a bit player in his first season back from a double reco. Virtually a project player as he spends the year readjusting himself to the intensity of AFL football again. Hadley up north is a case in point.
Expect nothing and we might be surprised but I have my doubts. The statistics are not on his side unfortunatrely.
That's exactly what I'd ask of Cogs too.
1 year contract, performance based, moderate wages, leading to high with amount of games played. We have to protect ourselves.
I'm of the opinion that we cant miss a chance that this bloke gets back to full health because he was quality.
The 1 year contract is a must and if he refuses and wanted more I'd be moving much more in your direction Mr Magic.
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1 year contract, performance based, moderate wages, leading to high with amount of games played. We have to protect ourselves. I totally agree with this statement.
I would without a doubt delist Johnson and the next is Tambling. I know he has signed on again but we have to throw that money down the drain, as he's at best a VFL player and has no rights to be on an AFL team from what he has shown us every week. But I bet if we did he would then play his best footy somewhere else. Richo would be there, Yer I know you all say he a champ. But he's also a champ of the dummy spits too.
I would try to keep spme of the young ones as these are our future. Sut back watch all the young ones and if they don't put in them goodbye but not just one game the sign them back on for 3 years like Tambling.
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Reading back some of my posts today, on the face of it they seem pretty heartless.
However the reality is Coughlan has missed a large amount of football the past three seasons through injury.
He's probably the most injury prone player I can ever remember at Richmond despite his age.
It's unfortunate what has happened to him and I feel for the guy but the Draga comparisons are relevant.
As far as absence through injury is concerned Cogs is no Richo or James Hird.
It's a big risk to persevere with him after TWO recos and a history of groin and ankle problems. A big risk.
If he struggles to get through intense medicals, then we should cut our losses and go with another fresh face.
The last thing I want to see is Coughlan signed and continuing to struggle, leaving us a player down.
How does that help us whatsoever??????
Look at Connors last weekend as a case in point. Tragedy creates opportunity.
We need to move on.
Sad as it is, the reality is Coughlan won't ever be the same and isn't going to make the difference to our team that some of the faithful hope
I want Richmond to be a ruthless powerhouse again. Not a charity case.
spot on magic!
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Good post there Mr magic & brackets
all we can do is see what comes of it & chat about it more as he makes his comeback but l agree with you guys :thumbsup
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Cogs joined the main group for most of the non-contact drills today. He looked fine running and kicking the footy. Good to see him back :thumbsup.
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Cogs joined the main group for most of the non-contact drills today. He looked fine running and kicking the footy. Good to see him back :thumbsup.
That's good news.
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If anyone comes back after 2 knee recos it'll be Cogs. Mentally tough plus!
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Meh, the Draga comparisons aren't valid, they're based on potential and what people wish he would have been. He did his knee so early that he hadn't shown anywhere near what Coughlan had, sure he might have been very good but we'll never know, he might have been very ordinary too.
Coughlan's disposal issues are massively overstated, I hope we hang on to him for a long time because he'll make the side a lot better. With the right midfield balance it doesn't matter that he doesn't kick like Buckley. Having a higher class of inside guys will make it a heck of a lot easier for guys like Deledio and Tambling to play their more natural games.
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Meh, the Draga comparisons aren't valid, they're based on potential and what people wish he would have been. He did his knee so early that he hadn't shown anywhere near what Coughlan had, sure he might have been very good but we'll never know, he might have been very ordinary too.
Coughlan's disposal issues are massively overstated, I hope we hang on to him for a long time because he'll make the side a lot better. With the right midfield balance it doesn't matter that he doesn't kick like Buckley. Having a higher class of inside guys will make it a heck of a lot easier for guys like Deledio and Tambling to play their more natural games.
ditto :clapping
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Draga got BOG last week the man is burning the grass in the SANFL :clapping
might not have been able to withstand AFL but his a great footballer in the lower level
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Coughlan's disposal issues are massively overstated, I hope we hang on to him for a long time because he'll make the side a lot better.
I call it as I see it and I have no doubt his disposal was hampered by his history of groin injuries and was poor as a result. His kicking was inaccurate and lacked depth and penetration before he did the knee.
Hopefully the time off has allowed that to heal somewhat because it was an issue.
I hope he comes back but go and do some research on the number of players that have successfully come back from two recos and then reassess how confident you are that he's going to make the difference you suggest.
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Coughlan longing to slot back into Tigers' set-up
Karen Lyon | December 16, 2007 | The Age
MARK Coughlan wants to play every game of football he can next year. He wants to play practice matches and pre-season games and he wants to start training with his teammates.
He wants to be there for the opening round of the 2008 season and he doesn't want to miss out on a single round of football.
It's no wonder, after two knee reconstructions and 18 months on the sidelines that Coughlan can't wait to be back. The Richmond midfielder is trying not to be too impatient. The the first knee reconstruction has taught him much about the process.
"I haven't been itching at the bit for too long because I would probably just wear myself out. In two or three months' time — that is when I will get the butterflies in my stomach," Coughlan said.
"I am really looking forward to the first game, whatever that is. Whether it's a practice match with the boys or a pre-season game, I'm just really looking forward to the first full game and even the first training session will be good."
The Tiger's enforced break started in round 12 of 2006 when he snapped his anterior cruciate ligament against Hawthorn. He was forced to sit out this year after the initial graft wore almost completely through and he was forced to undergo a second operation last February.
It is with a wry sense of humour that Coughlan suggests he has had a "good break" from the game. After "dragging" his feet for a couple of months, he decided to look for different ways to motivate himself and teammates.
Coughlan ventured into business, testing out his degree and spent time travelling through Asia and the US. He also turned his mind to guiding younger teammates.
Much of his time has been spent in the pool or the gym strengthening his legs. He has been running for the past four months and wants to build his fitness levels. With the game changing in his absence, Coughlan has looked to where he could make improvements.
"I think the game has virtually changed in the time that I have been playing and particularly in the last two years," he said. "It's getting quicker, and bodies aren't as big. You really do need that running capacity to get around the ground and it's not just in the midfield, it's all over the ground.
"I have tried to lose a little bit of weight and get myself ready for that side of things."
Much of Coughlan's determination to get back to the game centres around his teammates. He credits them with keeping him motivated during his hiatus and says the chance to be part of Richmond's emerging midfield excites him.
In 2007, the Tigers were without most of their midfield leaders, as Coughlan was joined in the stands by Nathan Brown — still feeling the effects of his broken leg — and ruckman Troy Simmonds, who was diagnosed with a blood clot on the lung.
Coughlan said the lack of senior players created unfair pressure on young stars.
"I can't wait to get out there and really help some guys who really took a lot of heat last year in the midfield, guys like Brett Deledio and Nathan Foley and those sort of guys — and Trent Crotchin, it won't take him long to get in there, as well."
After two knee reconstructions in two seasons it would only be normal to have doubts about his future, but the one-time Tigers best and fairest has come full circle from the early days after his second operation when he thought his career might be over.
"This time, I just have confidence in this knee. Having the last one and (doubting) how that felt, even in day-to-day activities I just felt this one was strong and that I would be able to get back."
http://www.realfooty.com.au/news/news/coughlan-wants-into-tigers-setup/2007/12/15/1197568333136.html
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"I can't wait to get out there and really help some guys who really took a lot of heat last year in the midfield, guys like Brett Deledio and Nathan Foley and those sort of guys — and Trent Crotchin, it won't take him long to get in there, as well."
lol
Good luck Cogs, we're a better team with you in. :clapping
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Will believe it when I see it.
Good luck Cogs.
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:lol
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he's a good tough player we need in the middle to get the ball out to our young running type players . he is also a fairly good kick for goal if i remember correctly! :gotigers
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lf cogs plays all year can you see johnson getting a game and who should be 08 tiger captain (newman) :gotigers
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"I can't wait to get out there and really help some guys who really took a lot of heat last year in the midfield, guys like Brett Deledio and Nathan Foley and those sort of guys — and Trent Crotchin, it won't take him long to get in there, as well."
lol
Good luck Cogs, we're a better team with you in. :clapping
i didn't see what was so funny ???
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Trent Crotchin
i didn't see what was so funny ???
Sorry bluey. A bit juvenile I know. An amusing misspelling. My lol had nothing to do with football. Lids, Cogs, Foley, Cotchin sounds like the beginnings of a good midfield to me.
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Deliberate typo? :wallywink
One thing that stands out for me is that we have missed as a team that attitude of being hungry. Cogs has that hunger.
Interesting Cogs openly admits the game has changed and that he needs to add more running and speed. He'll need to do plenty of leg work anyway to strengthen the knee. Hopefully the time off due to his knee has allowed his groin to settle down too. He struggled to kick over 40m at one stage.
Cogs also has Lids in the midfield when there's been talk of Lids spending a fair bit of time up forward next year. Agree with Cogs. We need our best players to be where the ball needs to be won - in the midfield.
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Trent Crotchin
i didn't see what was so funny ???
Sorry bluey. A bit juvenile I know. An amusing misspelling. My lol had nothing to do with football. Lids, Cogs, Foley, Cotchin sounds like the beginnings of a good midfield to me.
sorry ;D skiming over the article must of missed it lol
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lf cogs plays all year can you see johnson getting a game and who should be 08 tiger captain (newman) :gotigers
give us some feedback . surely johnson is going to struggle to get in our best side so its time to look for a new captain and l think Newman and Bowden are the best choices . :banghead
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what r u exoecting guys?
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Coughlan before his injury was becoming a slow and predictable player racking up 30 plus possies a game and doing very little with them. His bombs into the forward line were always putting our forwards under pressure. If he has improved his speed and kicking then he will be a valued inclusion. If he is still the same Coughlan as he was pre-injury then he will need to lift substantially if he is going to get off the pine.
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:clapping Cannot wiat for Cogs to return i cannot forget about how good of a player he is. He will play a big part in the middle and provide more options rotations etc. :gotigers Bye the way i am new at this forum mind my mistakes as i go along.
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Welcome to OER WMC.
what r u exoecting guys?
I'm just hoping Ox Cogs can get through the year. He doesn't have to star but his presence in the team should take some of the weight off Foley who'll be heavily tagged.
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what r u exoecting guys?
I'll be honest and say not very much
Perhaps 15 odd games. It will be interesting to see how he copes with the added pace of the game. He wasn't quick by foot before - so that's what I am interested in
I would think coming off 2 reco's you cannot expect too much.
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what r u exoecting guys?
I'll be honest and say not very much
Perhaps 15 odd games. It will be interesting to see how he copes with the added pace of the game. He wasn't quick by foot before - so that's what I am interested in
I would think coming off 2 reco's you cannot expect too much.
Agree totally.
It's no secret that statistically the game was 10% faster in 2006 than the previous year.
Coughlan will struggle big time for pace next year IMO.
If he can muster 10-15 games it will have been a steady result in his recovery from a dual reco.
Look for better things in '09 hopefully. :pray
In saying that fingers crossed he does better than I expect obviously.
Very unlucky with injury has been Cogs. Testament to how hard he plays the game.
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Very unlucky with injury has been Cogs. Testament to how hard he plays the game.
:thumbsup
It didn't help at the time (2004) that we kept him playing on when clearly his groin problem was seriously hampering him. Although it seems it's what all clubs do as Ball and Judd kept on playing as a shadow of their former selves this year.
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Career Reconstruction
Inside Football
December 19, 2007
Forgotten Tiger Mark Coughlan is hastening slowly in his return from a second knee operation, writes Ben Casanelia.
After two knee reconstructions in less than 12 months, Mark Coughlan is under no illusions as to the status of his football career.
"After having two (recos) this I suppose is my last crack at it and we'll see how it goes," the 2003 Tigers best and fairest winner said.
"That's the attitude I've got. Things can only get better, so the only outcome has to be positive.
"I have no fears in coming back, and if anything happens again, then it happens."
If the unmentionable does occur, it would almost certainly end Coughlan's career - a career that was giving success-starved Tiger fans something to cheer about until a fateful freezing June day in 2006 at York Park against Hawthorn when his knee went for the first time.
He underwent reconstructive surgery for the second time in February this year after the knee felt unstable and "not right".
"I just knew it wasn't going to hold up so it was better to get it right and come back in 2008," he said.
Despite the injury woes Richmond football manager Greg Miller moved to re-sign Coughlan for two years in a testament to the regard with which his football club hold its tough midfielder.
The deal surprised even Coughlan, "I was a little bit nervous coming out of contract this year bit they've shown faith in me and signed me up again.
"That gave me some real confidence. I wasn't expecting two years, I was hoping just to get a one-year deal.
"The good thing about that from my perspective is that it gives me every chance to come back in 2008 and get some level of confidence back and then have a crack at 2009 in terms of getting back to how I know I can play."
With so much on the line - both short and long term - for player and club, Coughlan is in the midst of a modified pre-season program during which he says he has experienced some soreness but "nothing unexpected".
"I'm holding back a bit because I've got plenty of time and I guess having learned from last pre-season I will try to be right come March, not December," he said.
"The best-case scenario is to get back and play some practice games bit at the same time I'm not planning in my own mind that I have to get back and do that.
"By the time the season comes around it will be well over 12 months since I had the second operation and I'd be disappointed if I wasn't up and going by then."
The 25-year old maintained a training regime while his teammates enjoyed an eight-week break and says his fitness is acceptable for someone who hasn't played in 18 months.
"I think everyone has to work at it," he said. "Some of the most talented players I've seen haven't made it for that very reason.
"I have to work at it like everyone else."
Coughlan is quietly confident he can rekindle his best and fairest form.
Seemingly overnight, and without player, he has become and elder statesman on the Richmond list.
At 25, only a handful of players outrank him in terms of age.
"It almost seems with a blink of an eye I've become a senior player and when you are that and you're sitting in the stands week after week, it is pretty hard," he said.
" All I could do was try to provide moral support and help out whenever I could,"
Coughlan saw plenty he says should encourage Tiger fans for the journey ahead.
The emergence of 2007 best and fairest winner [sic - runner-up behind Richo] Nathan Foley as a star midfielder, the development of key defenders Luke McGuane and Will Thursfield, the form of recruit Graham Polak and determination of ruckman Adam Pattison to keep persevering in tough times were all huge positives.
Coughlan believes the side has the capacity to turn things around quickly.
"We've been out of the spotlight to some degree over the pre-season. No one is expecting too much," he said.
"Within our group we have players now with two, three and four years experience and those guys I think are ready to step up. Geelong didn't have a great year in 2006 and came out and blitzed 2007 ... it can happen and we are just training hard to give ourselves every chance."
Coughlan's own excitement centres around lending a hand on the field for a change.
"I'm actually just excited about getting in amongst the midfield," he said.
"It was hard for those guys last season because they needed some more legs through there.
"I know it's going to take me some time but it's just good to be a lot closer to playing and getting back to feeling part of the footy club."
While many in the football world might have forgotten Mark Coughlan, Tiger fans certainly have not.
His toughness, ball winning ability and polish have been sorely missed. They will be a welcome return.
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They're obviously being very cautious with Cogs which is good to hear. It'd be great if he could run out in round 1 but the main thing for Cogs is to see him through the season and hope his knee holds up.
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"I just knee it wasn't going to hold up so it was better to get it right and come back in 2008," he said.
wtf ?
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"I just knew it wasn't going to hold up so it was better to get it right and come back in 2008," he said.
wtf ?
Blame my typing Ox. Fixed.
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lmao mt.
I figured it was a jounos typo.
No qualms when u do it :wallywink
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lmao mt.
I figured it was a jounos typo.
No qualms when u do it :wallywink
Yep I'm a typo king lol :wallywink.
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Cogs was never fast, if he looses a yard of pace and the game has quickened, I would hope it doesnt affect him too much. All reports reckon he is in solid nick, and should be able to run out games. He was always a pure old school center - quick between the ears, reads the game and knows how to get clearences.
If he can get anywhere near his 2003 form (he is only 25) I will be so much more exicted for this clubs future.