10,000,000 Cousins threads [Merged] | PUNT ROAD END | Richmond Tigers Forum
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10,000,000 Cousins threads [Merged]

Will Ben Cousins Be Playing In The AFL Next Year?

  • Yes, At The Eagles

    Votes: 9 3.4%
  • Yes, At Another Club

    Votes: 92 35.0%
  • No

    Votes: 136 51.7%
  • Unsure

    Votes: 26 9.9%

  • Total voters
    263
was very very good today..especially when most of our running mid feild players where average..definetly keep him on next year..we need an old experienced player out there
 
Tigers of Old said:
Also I think our young side showed more passion without him there last week than with him there today. So go figure that.

If any one player had an impact on the team's mentallity, it was the fact that big Ben Griffiths wasn't playing today :hihi

I thought Deledio was our best, then Cousins.

I don't think our list is good enough to delist Ben yet. If he was prepared to play a few games at Coburg (if he loses form next year) then I can't see many negatives to him going on, mainly positives. I'd especially like him to be in the side if we play a final or two next year, since our players have never come close to finals. It took Port a couple of years of embarassment before they learned how to play a final, Ben's experience in this regard would be a nice luxery that IMO our list can afford.
 
Tigers of Old said:
I couldn't say with confidence that he beat his opponent and despite his number of possessions I sat there thinking he's having little impact on the contest and still looks very slow.
I was actually very surprised to see his stats at game's end.

I'll no doubt cop flak from his numerous supporters but personally speaking if that's the best Ben's got to give at this stage, then there's no way known I would give him another year. I expect several players would pass him.

Also I think our young side showed more passion without him there last week than with him there today. So go figure that.

He will always be slow (Greg Williams was slow) but his impact, little or big, at certain parts during games are still valuable. Don't forget our players showed more passion in games we won with him playing.

IMO, we should keep him just for 1 more year because I see next season as a 're-building phase' similar to now.
 
TigerForce said:
He will always be slow

Aah no TF. Cousins was not always slow.
Go back and look at Cousin in full flight. Unrecognisable to the player now.
THIS year he looks slower than last and next year he'll be slower again.

The recruitment has had some benefits but it's time for Cousins to move on.
 
Ben looks to be lacking a lot of confidence in his kicking. He tries to avoid kicking at all costs, which is not a good sign.

His kicking was his major weapon when he was a gun player. He got the ball and hurt the opposition. Just doesn't play that way anymore.

Two weeks ago I felt he was a must keeper, but now I am not so sure. We did well enough against the Dockers without him, and if his main team contribution is winning the ball, then that really isn't enough. I still reckon his leadership skills are very valuable, but we seem to have had a few players grow in theat area in just the last few weeks.

If he is retained on our list next year, then I cannot see him getting much game time. And Gary March apparently said today he couldn't see Ben taking a coaching position, that media was more his go.

I am starting to think the curtain should be brought down on an outstanding playing career. I'd love to see him stay at the club next season in another capacity, maybe skills coach?
 
Tigers of Old said:
Aah no TF. Cousins was not always slow.
Go back and look at Cousin in full flight. Unrecognisable to the player now.
THIS year he looks slower than last and next year he'll be slower again.

The recruitment has had some benefits but it's time for Cousins to move on.

I didn't say he was always slow. My point is that Greg Williams always played as a slow mover but with valuable disposal just like Cuz does now as he's getting older.

Let the kids show the pace and Cuz can link in between as he does now. One more year is enough for me, especially as we're hearing from the players demand again (Chimp was the latest to demand he stayed).

If Dimma let's him go, then so be it. Which ever way suits our players is fine for me.
 
The difference between Kane Johnson and Ben Cousins, is that Kane couldn't play in his last couple of years, whereas Ben was our 2nd best player today.

Btw interesting you mention Johnson. Just 2 weeks ago in an interview, Brett Deledio singled out Kane as having a massive influence on his career, in particular in regards to preparation and professionalism.

If Ben is having a similar impact, and his form warrants it (which it is), then he would be a valuable member taking up 1 spot on our 44 man list IMO. Good clubs have strong leadership, and if Ben can continue providing good leadership then he's worth having around the club another year.
 
Ben gave an honest performance out there today, tried his heart out and was our second best player.
At this stage Ben is not a list clogger and there are many senior players that should go before he does.
 
If it was a question of taking the spot of a kid, is Tuck playing considerably better than Cousins?

Ben offers far superior leadership than Tuck.
 
rockstar_tiger said:
If it was a question of taking the spot of a kid, is Tuck playing considerably better than Cousins?

Yes. Currently I think Tuck offers more and is 3.5 years younger.
In saying that I won't be surprised to see Tucky shopped again.

rockstar_tiger said:
Ben offers far superior leadership than Tuck.

Tuck isn't in the team for his leadership.
 
one of our best today. should play on next year. plays the game how it should be played and how our younger players need to learn how to play.
 
Cuz has been playing ok. His leadership has been good. Does he warrant another year?
I guess it will depend how many of the current list will be getting the axe at seasons end.

I beleive there will be a turn over of around 10 players at seasons end (this number would probably include turnover in rookies)
 
Tigers of Old said:
Just wondering what folks thought of Cousins game today?

I notice he's almost universally been given the tick as our best player against the Roos. I too thought he was near our best if not our best.
Not that it said much..

I couldn't say with confidence that he beat his opponent and despite his number of possessions I sat there thinking he's having little impact on the contest and still looks very slow.
I was actually very surprised to see his stats at game's end.

Not exactly sure what you are saying - did he play well or not?
 
Thought he was fantastic today, shut out of it in the 3rd quarter though but not sure how much he was on the ground

Hardwick was critical of him handballing so much in the conditions
 
jb03 said:
Not exactly sure what you are saying - did he play well or not?

I wouldn't go as far as to say he played well. He played ok and that was enough to be one of our best in what was a very ordinary team performance.

rockstar_tiger said:
That's my point.

and my point is I don't think any player should be in the team just because of their 'leadership'.
 
Another 12 months of Ben will do no harm to the club, to the list, to the playing group or to the membership numbers. The team is years away from any convinciing form, Ben must be retained.
 
Bens accumulation of the ball is great, as is his endeavour but as stated he seems handball happy now and I'm guessing it's because his kicking seems to have really deserted him this season. His left is nowhere as penetrable and reliable as previously was and so many of his kicks are grubbers or falling short of the intended mark.