One of the guys who is in a Tigers e-mail loop with me at work is putting together a one-a-day player critique starting at #1 and working through the player list. It's a pretty good read so I thought I would share it with you.
Part 23 in the series….
24 - Mark Coughlan
Position: Midfielder
Age: 20 - Turns 21 the day before we play the Saints in Round 4
Height: 186cm (Listed as 183 in 2001)
Weight: 85kg
Career Games: 21
Career Goals: 8
Draft History: Select 25 in 2000 National Draft - was highly rated and possibly a bit surprising he lasted to us at that pick.
2002 Averages: 16 games, 9.6 Kicks, 3.8 Marks, 8.7 Handballs, 0.5 Goals, 3.6 Tackles, 0.9 Rebounds, 3.8 Inside 50s, 4.4 Clearance, 2.4 Clangers
2002 Summary: Was the silver lining of a disaster for Richmond in 2002. As good as the above stats look on face value Coughlan's year was really a case of two different half's. The first half when Richmond was holding onto the delusion they could make the finals Coughlan was given limited opportunities playing only 5 games out of the first 11, spending his time cooling his heels either in the VFL or on the bench. For those 5 games he averaged 9 disposals, 2 marks, 2.2 tackles, 2.6 clangers, 1.4 clearances and totalled 1 goal and his limited showings had people doubting he would make it (not me). For the final 11 games of the year he finally was given the opportunities he should have got in 2001 and averaged 22.5 disposals, 4.6 marks, 4.2 tackles, 2.3 clangers an outstanding 5.7 clearances and kicked 7 goals. So when given the opportunity he managed to increase his disposals by 150% and reduce his turnover rate at the same time. Did show exceptional ability at working in close, although some of his gives were a bit short and soft and not greatly effective. Still has a problem with turnovers although pleasingly looked very comfortable on either side of his body and had made noticeable improvements in his disposal by foot since the year before.
Previously: A bit of a late developer as a Junior, was highly rated by the time the 2000 National Draft came around. Started 2001 with a groin injury and was eased into the season. Had a good debut against Geelong in Round 9 in the only highlight for me on another fruitless trip down to the Litter Tray, when he started on the ground and in the action and despite a few obvious nerves looked to be a real find - a rare commodity of a quality player, but Danny couldn't hold his nerve that day (When actually he and the coaching panel had a complete shocker) and after a short time he was ripped from the ground then spent some junk time in a pocket , given very little opportunity for the rest of the game or the following week and was dropped. Recalled for another game with again little chance to make an impact was dropped straight away. Back for another couple of games where he was again given little opportunity and then back to the VFL where he consistently dominated.
Ability: 9 - Coughlan is one of only two Richmond draftee's (Ottens the other) that have had me genuinely excited over the last 10 years. Looked the goods from the first time I saw him playing for Coburg and while he has some downside is along with Ottens the start of something we can build a side around.
Offence: 6 - I liked the fact that he was able to kick 7 goals from the midfield in the last 11 games. Does look prepared to push forward and has that capacity to burst from the front of the square towards goal. Does have to work on his finishing skills. Looks a good "offensive" midfielder but doesn't strike me as a forward option.
Defence: 5.5 - Above average in that he will work both ways (unusual at Richmond) and would appear to be able to cope in a run-with role but can do more defensively. A bit hard to judge, as at VFL level and last half of last year he was given licence to go and never had to be truly accountable. Will be interesting to watch him against a side where he will tackle their 2nd or 3rd best on-baller but a quality one (like against Brisbane or Adelaide) and have to be accountable which may happen this year. Strong in a tackle. Could push back harder into the defensive 50
Hardness: 8 - A few might think this a bit high but I have one striking memory of Coughlan from 2002. That of him literally "bouncing" off an opponent at the front of the Square, maintaining his balance and running on for a shot on goal which unfortunately missed. Unfortunately my memory of that incident is that strongly focussed on what he did I've completely forgotten who it was against, but if anyone else remembers it and has doubts, grab a tape and re-watch it. There are some things special on a football field - that was. Is also a strong tackler, although I think can increase his aggression in the tackle. Has that capacity to dish out and absorb physical punishment in close.
Part 23 in the series….
24 - Mark Coughlan
Position: Midfielder
Age: 20 - Turns 21 the day before we play the Saints in Round 4
Height: 186cm (Listed as 183 in 2001)
Weight: 85kg
Career Games: 21
Career Goals: 8
Draft History: Select 25 in 2000 National Draft - was highly rated and possibly a bit surprising he lasted to us at that pick.
2002 Averages: 16 games, 9.6 Kicks, 3.8 Marks, 8.7 Handballs, 0.5 Goals, 3.6 Tackles, 0.9 Rebounds, 3.8 Inside 50s, 4.4 Clearance, 2.4 Clangers
2002 Summary: Was the silver lining of a disaster for Richmond in 2002. As good as the above stats look on face value Coughlan's year was really a case of two different half's. The first half when Richmond was holding onto the delusion they could make the finals Coughlan was given limited opportunities playing only 5 games out of the first 11, spending his time cooling his heels either in the VFL or on the bench. For those 5 games he averaged 9 disposals, 2 marks, 2.2 tackles, 2.6 clangers, 1.4 clearances and totalled 1 goal and his limited showings had people doubting he would make it (not me). For the final 11 games of the year he finally was given the opportunities he should have got in 2001 and averaged 22.5 disposals, 4.6 marks, 4.2 tackles, 2.3 clangers an outstanding 5.7 clearances and kicked 7 goals. So when given the opportunity he managed to increase his disposals by 150% and reduce his turnover rate at the same time. Did show exceptional ability at working in close, although some of his gives were a bit short and soft and not greatly effective. Still has a problem with turnovers although pleasingly looked very comfortable on either side of his body and had made noticeable improvements in his disposal by foot since the year before.
Previously: A bit of a late developer as a Junior, was highly rated by the time the 2000 National Draft came around. Started 2001 with a groin injury and was eased into the season. Had a good debut against Geelong in Round 9 in the only highlight for me on another fruitless trip down to the Litter Tray, when he started on the ground and in the action and despite a few obvious nerves looked to be a real find - a rare commodity of a quality player, but Danny couldn't hold his nerve that day (When actually he and the coaching panel had a complete shocker) and after a short time he was ripped from the ground then spent some junk time in a pocket , given very little opportunity for the rest of the game or the following week and was dropped. Recalled for another game with again little chance to make an impact was dropped straight away. Back for another couple of games where he was again given little opportunity and then back to the VFL where he consistently dominated.
Ability: 9 - Coughlan is one of only two Richmond draftee's (Ottens the other) that have had me genuinely excited over the last 10 years. Looked the goods from the first time I saw him playing for Coburg and while he has some downside is along with Ottens the start of something we can build a side around.
Offence: 6 - I liked the fact that he was able to kick 7 goals from the midfield in the last 11 games. Does look prepared to push forward and has that capacity to burst from the front of the square towards goal. Does have to work on his finishing skills. Looks a good "offensive" midfielder but doesn't strike me as a forward option.
Defence: 5.5 - Above average in that he will work both ways (unusual at Richmond) and would appear to be able to cope in a run-with role but can do more defensively. A bit hard to judge, as at VFL level and last half of last year he was given licence to go and never had to be truly accountable. Will be interesting to watch him against a side where he will tackle their 2nd or 3rd best on-baller but a quality one (like against Brisbane or Adelaide) and have to be accountable which may happen this year. Strong in a tackle. Could push back harder into the defensive 50
Hardness: 8 - A few might think this a bit high but I have one striking memory of Coughlan from 2002. That of him literally "bouncing" off an opponent at the front of the Square, maintaining his balance and running on for a shot on goal which unfortunately missed. Unfortunately my memory of that incident is that strongly focussed on what he did I've completely forgotten who it was against, but if anyone else remembers it and has doubts, grab a tape and re-watch it. There are some things special on a football field - that was. Is also a strong tackler, although I think can increase his aggression in the tackle. Has that capacity to dish out and absorb physical punishment in close.
