Ben Cousins - He's back (now at Richmond) [Merged Threads]

[Podpicken]

So you're all over it Lazza and know the full lowdown on Cousins and why they made the decision? Maybe it's a massive "save" rather than a "lost opportunity".

[AN_Inkling]

Good to have an end to the speculation.

Slightly disappointed, but more about what could have been if everything went perfectly smoothly (very small chance), rather than being realistic.

Looking at it logically, the decisions a no-brainer. Cousins is not worth the risk, especially at this point in our development:
- we are rebuilding, (this came as a surprise to some? ). Only been doing so since '04-'05. Hawks started theirs in '01.
- even if Cousins made a triumphant return, we'd not have been serious contenders.
- we have looked at him more closely than anyone, and it seems, have decided he's not completely put his off-field problems behind him.
- would have been a massive distraction for the team. This is particularly a concern given how young our list is. We had enough drama last season over very minor incidents. There's no doubt there would be season long scrutiny of Cousins, and there would almost certainly be a number of "scandals", no matter how overblown by the media. Cousins just does not seem the type to be able to have a "quiet" year.

Big risk, little gain = easy decision.

With the problems Ben needs to overcome, along with the simple fact of time out of the game and his being past 30 (we've seen with so many how quickly the game can pass you by), the likelihood of him playing a brilliant season was low. I do think it quite possible he could have had a productive season, but it would not be light years better than Burns' 2008 and therefore certainly not enough to take us to a premiership in '09, or even '10.

I would have liked to have him playing for the Pies next season, but I always saw it as a stop-gap measure. Bringing in some experience to help the development of our list. Given this, any hint that he had not got himself together and the club should have pulled the plug, which it seems is exactly what happened.


It's now quite likely he'll not be making a comeback at all. Can't see the Lions taking him (still rebuilding, would be a massive mistake, especially with a novice coach), which leaves the Saints, and maybe the Swans, as the only options.

[Alec. J. Hidell]

^ Good logical post

[lethalburns]

^^ agreed

i think some people are just looking for something to pin their hopes on next season.

we have a good young list and four picks in the draft.

we also picked up what I believe was a bargain in Corey.

we will have 4 extra players who we did not have for a major part of 2008 all of whom are in the top half of our list.

pin your hopes on that.

[Alec. J. Hidell]

Geez, YET another lost opportunity to add to the likes of Quinlan, Locket, Gheric, Nick Stevens etc etc etc.

Piss poor effort by the pies. We NEED talented experience after the recent losses of Bucks, Wakes, Clements, Burns, Holland etc etc. The team we have now might qualify for the bloody under 23's soon!!

Oh well, we MIGHT get to see another flag in our time......................!! At least I can treasure 1990!!!

Buckley
Rocca
Licuria
Wakelin
Clement
Medhurst

[Alec. J. Hidell]

So we're agreed then?

The decision is the correct one?

[Melsa5]

And now Ricky N goes off ..Again!

Have a little closer look at the facts Ricky.

Yep CFCs actions have made your client look bad and a little less marketable.

We don't know 100% why the Club went to Christine N or what they found out...(or how we found out???).

For all we know maybe they were doing a routine check in how to deal with "a" drug addicts history!

But Ricky, the Club (and any Club) has full rights to do a full due diligence on what player they are going to acquire...especially one with history. They are fully in their rights to enquire anywhere and with anyone to see if their new acquisition was going to be a risk to them.

I'm sorry if your boy is a little less marketable now...but maybe he wasn't fully marketable at the first place. And yes I did want him to become a Pie. But I fully and whole heartedly respect my Club's decision.

Don't have a go at our Club Ricky...just don't.

[Arges Tuft]

No my friend, just being cautious

Caution is good.

[sq3]

Yes - the Club has made the correct decision.

[rocketronnie]

If a person with a drug addiction was able to take their drug of preference legally, would it still be classified as an addiction?

For instance all illegal drugs have a legal equivalent, that can be obtained on prescription.

If this happened, couldn't the player honestly say to everyone, I am no longer taking illegal drugs?

Yes, and i doubt there'd be much the AFL could do to stop someone from being 'treated' with such drugs.

Being addicted (having a physical and/or psychological dependency) to a particular substance, whether obtained legally or illegally, is what would concern the club, not the source of the substance. what would be of high concern to the club is the health/physical/psychological performance issues the drug may cause.

[Alec. J. Hidell]

Agreed ronnie

[Geelongpie]

best news ive heard all off season.. I was praying we wouldnt take him.. he is to big a risk with injuries.. his best footy is past him.
We wont to build a flag with our own young guns and not be like carlton and buy flags.
Great decision.

[rocketronnie]

So we're agreed then?

The decision is the correct one?

What!????

You mean I can't storm the Lexus Centre with an army of aggrieved Benny-addicted fans, tarring and feathering Eddie and the Board, shaving off Mick's moustache, and banishing them all forever?

I was going to set up the Round Table and create a New Camelot at the Lexus Centre with a thousand year run of premierships in the offing... and now because the Cousins decision is judged as correct by all and sundry, I can't..... Well Pffft!!!







PS: Anyone got Guy Fawkes' number?....

[medders#7]

i have not read thru these 7 pages cos im on dial up atm

but nixon said the last few weeks collingwood were NOT his preferred destination anyway.

so he didnt wanna come here by the sounds of it.

[MACDAICOS]

Thank fu%k for that.

Now I can still go to the footy. I was prepared to cancel my membership if we picked that junkie.

C E L E B R A T I O N!

I look forward to seeing Shaz Wellingham fit again and firing in the midfield. We don't need ancient junkies who can't guarantee he can even play, let alone well and for how long? A year, two at best?

Congratulations to Bucks for having the sense - and balls - to say we shouldn't pick him on football grounds alone!

GO PIES!

in all seriousness pull ur head in

Change your avatar ham head!!

nah might leave it a couple days and just think of what could have been.

Yeah I know....