julzqld
25 May 2004, 08:31
25 May 2004 Herald Sun
Emily Power
CARLTON captain Anthony Koutoufides says Matthew Richardson is the best player in the competition.
Koutoufides said the star Tiger, who was held to one goal against Port Adelaide on Saturday night after kicking a career-best 10 goals against the Western Bulldogs, always challenged him.
"I played on him twice at full-back, he was at full-forward, and I think the guy has certainly got a lot of talent," Koutoufides told Mike Sheahan on Fox Footy's Open Mike.
"He's been very unlucky with the amount of injuries he's had, but certainly every second of the game that I've played on him I was fearing him.
"He had great endurance and great speed and he's so big and strong, I just couldn't keep up with him. No matter where he was, I always thought, 'oh no, here we go, he's going to get the ball'.
"I still believe Matthew is a very important part in that team, and I reckon when he's not out there they're not going to win as many games. They certainly need him out there firing and, on his day he's probably the best footballer going around.
"I think the things that he does, he is the best footballer around when he's up and going and at his best."
Koutoufides, who has taken two pay cuts to his rumoured $5 million, five-year contract, said he was embarrassed by the "million-dollar man" label.
"I was embarrassed because I never felt as though I should be the highest-paid player," Koutoufides said.
"I know there are better players out there that have done great things in their career, and I still believe I have given the club a lot too.
"At the end of the day I think it all evens itself out and the club is happy now, I'm still happy with what I am getting and we can move on and play some footy now, hopefully."
Emily Power
CARLTON captain Anthony Koutoufides says Matthew Richardson is the best player in the competition.
Koutoufides said the star Tiger, who was held to one goal against Port Adelaide on Saturday night after kicking a career-best 10 goals against the Western Bulldogs, always challenged him.
"I played on him twice at full-back, he was at full-forward, and I think the guy has certainly got a lot of talent," Koutoufides told Mike Sheahan on Fox Footy's Open Mike.
"He's been very unlucky with the amount of injuries he's had, but certainly every second of the game that I've played on him I was fearing him.
"He had great endurance and great speed and he's so big and strong, I just couldn't keep up with him. No matter where he was, I always thought, 'oh no, here we go, he's going to get the ball'.
"I still believe Matthew is a very important part in that team, and I reckon when he's not out there they're not going to win as many games. They certainly need him out there firing and, on his day he's probably the best footballer going around.
"I think the things that he does, he is the best footballer around when he's up and going and at his best."
Koutoufides, who has taken two pay cuts to his rumoured $5 million, five-year contract, said he was embarrassed by the "million-dollar man" label.
"I was embarrassed because I never felt as though I should be the highest-paid player," Koutoufides said.
"I know there are better players out there that have done great things in their career, and I still believe I have given the club a lot too.
"At the end of the day I think it all evens itself out and the club is happy now, I'm still happy with what I am getting and we can move on and play some footy now, hopefully."