10,000,000 Cousins threads [Merged]

[Tigers of Old]

Yes correct, half do play on the forward or back flanks at the moment. For a number of reasons. One, is many players play in those roles as they are developing. This does not mean they are not midfield material in the future. My comments on these particular players is based on seeing things that show, with continued improvement and experience that they will potentially become important midfield players. And yes two are rookies who havent played a game. But I thought we were talking about future potential players, not necessarily those that have already made it and I have seen enough from both Hicks and Contin to be mildly excited about their future prospects. Of course no guarantees. Secondly, many of the best flankers in the league can easily play very well in the midfield as well. Pigeon-holing someone as a forward or back flanker just because that's where they playing now is a little short-sighted. Dane Swan is a perfect example of someone who played alot of his early games in the backline. Chapman plays predominantly forward but has played some blinders with time in the midfield. There are many others that fit the same bill (not necessary the quality of these two particular players). The game is very different today. A midfield consists of rotating your players regularly. Sometimes that rotation is through the forward line or backline depending on needs and/or status of the play. Our focus should (and I believe is) be on growing players so that they can play a variety of positions, afterall the game is now about making space and running. Very few players today make it in any of the smaller height positions unless they have many of the attributes required of a midfielder.

Good post Goodies. Agree with most of that. One door closes and another one opens.
Two weeks ago the youngest Richmond side in years(sans Cuz) beat a top 4 team. With opportunity young players step up in the absence of veterans.
Opportunity knocks.

 

[GoodOne]

Goodone, let's go through them. It looks a good list but not all are midfielders.

Deledio- Played his best footy off half back. I think that is beyond doubt. Has been tried as a onballer and hasn't had as much impact. Is a mjaor weapon coming off half back and should stay there.

I am sorry but Deledio is a midfielder. Just because we are playing him back out of necessity doesn't mean that he doesn't fit the bill of a midfielder. He certainl does and he's played some damn good footy in the midfield position in the past.

Martin- Gun. We have one to build around. As good as Joel Selwood's first year.

Cotchin- Gun. We have two to build around. A class act who think is only showing half of waht he can do at the minute.

Yep and yep.

Connors- Just strated playing good footy at AFL level off half back. Think this is his role. We all know how important kicking coming out of the back 50 is. With Lids and Connors roaming there we have a massive springboard. Will stay there.

This guy has real talent. Just needs to build up his tank and he will definitely be midfield material. Is playing great out of that backline and wouldnt be disappointed to see him play there but will definitely be able to provide some midfield rotations in my view.

Collins- Seems to be a forward to me in the Robert Murphy mould. Far too slight to take the hustle and bustle of being a onballer. May get some small roles but not one to build around.

Seen enough of Collins prior to this year to think he can be a good midfield option. Has very good poise and a real footy brain. Too slight to be a midfielder. yes maybe at the moment, but I am not expecting him to be our #1 inside midfielder in the future. Those roles will be predominantly the role of Cotchin and Martin.

Edwards- Could be a player, still a long way to go. Give you that. Maybe three to build with. But Edwards is not a first stringer and is very slight.

His body build is my major concern however he has shown with confidence that he can be an imprtant player in rotations in the future. If you look at a Montagna, he could easily become a similar sort of player. Montagna tends to be a link player who is always capable of finding position and gathering alot of ball that way.

Nason- A good two seasons from having a tank to play in the middle. Has rarely rolled through the middle this year. Would love to see how many times he has been in the centre sqaure ball up. Less then 20 me thinks. Is playing the half forward role very well, it's a key role with Dimma and he could grow into this.

Interesting observation. From my observation he runs more than any other player at the Tigers. I dont think a tank is his issue. Obviously still learning the game at the top level and needs time but think he can provide a midfield rotation option in the future.

Webberley- Very slight but could make it as a winger outside runner. Make that four to build around and two are questionable.

Yes another good link player in the making. Definitely has the smarts and one player who has impressed me a lot this year already.

Contin- Is a longshot to make but shouldn't be written off. Is the right type to rookie but I wouldn't put him in the list.

Yes a long way to go no doubt about it but like what I have seen

Hicks- Small forward, pure and simple. Again, fills a massive need but isn't a onballer.

Hmm, a differing opinion to what I have seen. Knows how to get the ball AND kick goals. Type of future midfielder that is invaluable. Similar to Contin. a long way to go, to mark him down as an AFL player, but since he has recently been elaveated, I think he may get his opportunity this year to show his wares in the forward line (especially with us struggling to find a small that can kick goals atm).

Foley is a question mark to come back from injury, Jackson isn't a first stringer but his size means he must be used in the middle to bash and crash.

Foley will be back. Write off this season but a good pre-season and next year he'll be back stronger than ever. Have included jackson because I think he has improved immensely this year. I don't think its a coincidence that having better quality around him in the midfield and an actual gameplan has helped his game.

So I think we are super light on in the midfield. Forget Cousins for a second, we have four long termers when we need to go through about 15 to get a solid core of 8. The midfield for me is by far our biggest concern. And because of that I would strongly consider Cousins for another year.

Maybe we should compare the Tigers midfield potential list to other clubs. I don't think we're light on at all in the potential midfield area. Of course we need to keep constantly recruiting for failures but its an excellent base to work with, certainly much better than 4 years ago.

Cousins wont be playing next year

 

[Leysy Days]

Goodone, let's go through them. It looks a good list but not all are midfielders.

Deledio- Played his best footy off half back. I think that is beyond doubt. Has been tried as a onballer and hasn't had as much impact. Is a mjaor weapon coming off half back and should stay there.

Martin- Gun. We have one to build around. As good as Joel Selwood's first year.

Cotchin- Gun. We have two to build around. A class act who think is only showing half of waht he can do at the minute.

Connors- Just strated playing good footy at AFL level off half back. Think this is his role. We all know how important kicking coming out of the back 50 is. With Lids and Connors roaming there we have a massive springboard. Will stay there.

Collins- Seems to be a forward to me in the Robert Murphy mould. Far too slight to take the hustle and bustle of being a onballer. May get some small roles but not one to build around.

Edwards- Could be a player, still a long way to go. Give you that. Maybe three to build with. But Edwards is not a first stringer and is very slight.

Nason- A good two seasons from having a tank to play in the middle. Has rarely rolled through the middle this year. Would love to see how many times he has been in the centre sqaure ball up. Less then 20 me thinks. Is playing the half forward role very well, it's a key role with Dimma and he could grow into this.

Webberley- Very slight but could make it as a winger outside runner. Make that four to build around and two are questionable.

Contin- Is a longshot to make but shouldn't be written off. Is the right type to rookie but I wouldn't put him in the list.

Hicks- Small forward, pure and simple. Again, fills a massive need but isn't a onballer.

Foley is a question mark to come back from injury, Jackson isn't a first stringer but his size means he must be used in the middle to bash and crash.

So I think we are super light on in the midfield. Forget Cousins for a second, we have four long termers when we need to go through about 15 to get a solid core of 8. The midfield for me is by far our biggest concern. And because of that I would strongly consider Cousins for another year.

Agree with nearly all that Scoop.

Midfield & small forwards are our biggest need this coming draft.

 

[btoz_01]

Once again Botox4 I am not comparing the Cuz with Joel. Your hatred of Joel is somewhat disturbing and like I pointed out you seem to be seeing Ben for what he has done at the eagles not at the tiges (premiership and brownlow).

Good to see zzzzdog youre not comparing Joeline to Cuz. As it would be like comparing a rusty old Datsun 120y to a V8 Commodore.
I see what Cuz is doing at our club- hes pushing the players to keep going, showing them its all about winning and actually getting his own ball.
Instead of sitting back for cheap kicks .

 

[zgod]

Good to see zzzzdog youre not comparing Joeline to Cuz. As it would be like comparing a rusty old Datsun 120y to a V8 Commodore.
I see what Cuz is doing at our club- hes pushing the players to keep going, showing them its all about winning and actually getting his own ball.
Instead of sitting back for cheap kicks .

Botox, Cuz maybe pushing the players to keep going and trying to instill a winning culture but the fact is he is a fading light who would probably be best suited with a tap on the shoulder. Just like your mate Joel had.

 

[Brodders17]

If Cousins in on the list next year then I'll concede that this intangible "leadership" he gives around the club, at training and on Match Day is as great as some are making out to be.

agree.
probably the best post in this thread.

does anyone actually disagree with this??

 

[btoz_01]

Botox, Cuz maybe pushing the players to keep going and trying to instill a winning culture but the fact is he is a fading light who would probably be best suited with a tap on the shoulder. Just like your mate Joel had.

zzzzdog its just amazing how some just cant wait for a player like Cuz to fail so they can then say I told you so. :
Fact is Cuz has been putting in and if he continues to do that in the remaining rounds the club will have no choice but to give him another year.
As for Joeline I think he/she is your mate not mine.

 

[Tigers of Old]

zzzzdog its just amazing how some just cant wait for a player like Cuz to fail so they can then say I told you so. :

Bzzzzz. Wrong.
Cousins has already proved me wrong by achieving more than I thought of him capable of delivering.
He's done very well as has the club in supporting him since he came to the club.
I still wouldn't have taken him given where I saw our list and his issues but to his credit he's done well since he arrived.
However as zgod has said he is now a fading force and the time is right for him to hang up the boots of what will be remembered as a great, if not chequered, career.

 

[momentai]

Bzzzzz. Wrong.
Cousins has already proved me wrong by achieving more than I thought of him capable of delivering.
He's done very well as has the club in supporting him since he came to the club.
I still wouldn't have taken him given where I saw our list and his issues but to his credit he's done well since he arrived.
However as zgod has said he is now a fading force and the time is right for him to hang up the boots of what will be remembered as a great, if not chequered, career.

Maybe you could do yourself a favour and wait until the end of the season before ruling him out. Maybe his contribution since he found some fitness gives you reason to pause?

 

[Tigers of Old]

Maybe you could do yourself a favour and wait until the end of the season before ruling him out. Maybe his contribution since he found some fitness gives you reason to pause?

No. I'd still be tapping him on the shoulder.

 

[Al Bundy]

No. I'd still be tapping him on the shoulder.

me too, & say to Cuz, sign this. 1 more year to play ;D

 

[ZeroGame]

I just don't think we have too much to lose with him staying on
Even if he's overtaken next year by youngsters, he can still play a large role in coaching
Just think, this year's draftees could be taught by a Brownlow medalist how to play midfield while training along side him and at times playing along side him. He wouldn't have to play 22+ games next year and be in our best for us to get a good return from him staying next year.

 

[TigerFlag2017]

Can't see us making finals next year. I like the guy, and proud that the tigers have done good by him, but he may just be unlucky and get the cut. We need another 6 or 7 new players on the main list. I don't think this can come from the 2010 uncontracted player group, unless something can be done with a few others contracted at the end of the year such as Nahas or trading McGuane or Moore. I can't see any rookie promotions, interesting whether Gourdis is retained as a rookie as impossible to promote you would think. Cuz might just miss out unless there is some type of playing development coach role.

 

[Elmer]

agree.
probably the best post in this thread.

does anyone actually disagree with this??

Disagree with what? That it is greatest post in the thread or that Cuz is the greatest inspiration since Lazarus?

It makes me smirk when posters reference player's quotes about Cuz's impact. What is their alternative answer to the frequent media questions about Cuz? "Oh he has been a distraction, he has lost a yard, can't kick with penetration anymore, he is too good looking and stealing all the RFC groupies". They cannot say anything other than "great leader, played in a strong team, premiership experience blah, blah blah"

Seem to recall the RFC (Hardwick) came out and said it is highly unlikely he would be at the club in a coaching capacity next year if not playing.
Personally I would move him on but would not be upset if he was on the list. He still got the fight and the talent that made him a star but the body seems less and less willing.

 

[spook]

Goodone, let's go through them. It looks a good list but not all are midfielders.
...

So I think we are super light on in the midfield. Forget Cousins for a second, we have four long termers when we need to go through about 15 to get a solid core of 8. The midfield for me is by far our biggest concern. And because of that I would strongly consider Cousins for another year.

Spot on. You could name 6-8 to cut before Cuz without even thinking about it.

 

[Baloo]

Disagree with what? That it is greatest post in the thread or that Cuz is the greatest inspiration since Lazarus?

It makes me smirk when posters reference player's quotes about Cuz's impact. What is their alternative answer to the frequent media questions about Cuz? "Oh he has been a distraction, he has lost a yard, can't kick with penetration anymore, he is too good looking and stealing all the RFC groupies". They cannot say anything other than "great leader, played in a strong team, premiership experience blah, blah blah"

Seem to recall the RFC (Hardwick) came out and said it is highly unlikely he would be at the club in a coaching capacity next year if not playing.
Personally I would move him on but would not be upset if he was on the list. He still got the fight and the talent that made him a star but the body seems less and less willing.

I think you missed the gist of my post Elmer.

I'm not convinced that this "leadership" is as huge as people here make out.

On form Cousins has had a serviceable year. If he was 25 it would be a no brainer to keep him. But at 32/33 I don't think it's in the RFC's best interests to keep him purely on form due to his age and the fact he takes up a lot of time due to the media fixation of him.

The only reason I can see to keep him would be if this "leadership" is as great as some make it out to be then that aspect plus his serviceable form makes it in our interest to keep him.

 

[mb64]

Spot on. You could name 6-8 to cut before Cuz without even thinking about it.

Exactly

 

[Brodders17]

I think you missed the gist of my post Elmer.

I'm not convinced that this "leadership" is as huge as people here make out.

On form Cousins has had a serviceable year. If he was 25 it would be a no brainer to keep him. But at 32/33 I don't think it's in the RFC's best interests to keep him purely on form due to his age and the fact he takes up a lot of time due to the media fixation of him.

The only reason I can see to keep him would be if this "leadership" is as great as some make it out to be then that aspect plus his serviceable form makes it in our interest to keep him.

exactly.

 

[GoodOne]

Spot on. You could name 6-8 to cut before Cuz without even thinking about it.

For skill and desire, yes, but for age and what diminished capacity Cousins can provide in the future, quite arguable. We will most likely be cutting 6 to 8 next year anyway. Cousins wont be with Richmond in a playing capacity next year. Personally though I'm not here or there on it. It wont be the end of the world if Cousins did play on for another year, it's just my preference that we continue to blood the youngsters and give them the on-field experience that they need, especially considering there are still some quite prospective young future midfielder options who have played very limited or no game time yet. No doubt we will be picking up one or two more in the end of year draft.

 

[Scoop]

For skill and desire, yes, but for age and what diminished capacity Cousins can provide in the future, quite arguable. We will most likely be cutting 6 to 8 next year anyway. Cousins wont be with Richmond in a playing capacity next year. Personally though I'm not here or there on it. It wont be the end of the world if Cousins did play on for another year, it's just my preference that we continue to blood the youngsters and give them the on-field experience that they need, especially considering there are still some quite prospective young future midfielder options who have played very limited or no game time yet. No doubt we will be picking up one or two more in the end of year draft.

Again, Goodone as discussed this is just not true. I wouldn't be shocked if we took two mids with our first two picks.

Right now, there is no one on the list who isn't getting a game because they are being held out by someone.