Ben Cousins

[Ben the Gooner]

Yes please.

Is a class midfielder, we have an earlier PSD pick than Collingwood so if Knights thinks Cuz will still be around when we challenge next (2010-2011 according to Jackson) we should go for him.

We're the first Melbourne club to be close enough to challenging to consider him.

 

[Colin D'Cops]

If we can get him rather cheaply and our staff have confidence in Cousins that he'll never go back to his old, druggy self then I'd be happy for him to come to Essendon.

Will help out Stanton taking the number one tagger off his back and should lead the younger kids in the right direction with regards to AFL footy.

 

[Windas_Magic]

I wouldn't be totally against it, but i feel that Knighter and the board won't liken to the idea. More suited to a team who is close to premiership success.

I know he's extremely fit, but IIRC, in one of his last games for West Coast he did a nasty hammy (against the Pies i think). With him at 30, there would be big questions over if he can even get back to some good form and if he can last a full season.

He hasn't played footy for quite a long period which also works against him.

 

[Essendonfc_4_lyfe]

Would be a great pick up if we could get him. Seeing interviews with him, i still question if he is over his addiction. I mean, once a drug addict, always a drug addict (using the alcoholic theory).

But, if he can assure us he is clean, im happy to welcome him

 

[Charliebrow16]

How would we get him?

Does he have to nominate for the National Draft or the Pre-Season draft in order for him to be a chance to get selected?

I'd consider picking him up with our first selection in the PSD if he's still available.

 

[The Dustbin]

He might still be allowed to nominate for the national draft, which will make things pretty tough for us. I don't think we have even talked to him, Knights probably not interested.

I want him. Champion midfielder who will cost pretty much next to nothing. At least Stants wouldn't get the number 1 tag anymore. And that's just one positive.

 

[Hirdman]

30 year old that hasn't played footy in a year and has a self confessed drug addiction - where do I sign.

Great player in his day, but he's day is done - maybe Sheedy but not Knights

 

[warney7]

Actually stopping to think about it.

If Knights wants Lovett gone because of his lack of discipline ..........why would he want Cousins?

I'd still love to get him in the PSD though.

 

[hateitorlovett13]

30 year old that hasn't played footy in a year and has a self confessed drug addiction - where do I sign.

Great player in his day, but he's day is done - maybe Sheedy but not Knights

Exactly. Would go against everything Knights has changed, and stands for.

 

[Tambu]

I just dunno.

 

[bomba4eva]

Just not sure if he'll be around for our next genuine crack.....

If we do recruit him I'll be right behind him though. Always genuinely liked Cousins as he is a brilliant footballer. Right up there in the top echelon. He could bring so many positives, yet he could turn the place upside down.......

Either way, I have always admired his footballing abilities but hope he leads a healthy life.

 

[Phat Toni]

30 year old that hasn't played footy in a year and has a self confessed drug addiction - where do I sign.

Great player in his day, but he's day is done - maybe Sheedy but not Knights

Great post That's the most sense I have heard on this thread.

 

[Beerfish]

I know he's extremely fit, but IIRC, in one of his last games for West Coast he did a nasty hammy (against the Pies i think). With him at 30, there would be big questions over if he can even get back to some good form and if he can last a full season.

I believe that was his second game back after his first "break from the game". The game before (his first game back) he picked up around 40 possessions IIRC.

After an extended period without any match play, I'm surprised he didn't do the hammy in his first game.

I really don't think his fitness is an issue. It irked me to read a certain someone's comment in another thread "he's got a dodgy hammy". Nathan Buckley. That's a dodgy hammy.

As I've said before though, I don't care either way. To have him would be a bonus but to not have him won't hurt us.

 

[Williams02]

not interested....
seems to me that the whole realisation of what he did hasnt really sunk in, as he sees no reason why anyone wouldnt pick him up...
great player but not for us.

 

[loopy_cam]

I wouldn't be against it.

But I doubt we'll get him and I won't be too unhappy if we don't.

 

[MarkJohnson#1]

No Deal!

Would much rather give another youngster a crack than see a 30 year who could potentially be past it taking up a spot on our list.

 

[Colin D'Cops]

Here's an article that was written by Nathan Buckley and was made into a thread on Collingwood's Board. Interestingly he said if it was up to him, he wouldn't take the punt on Cuz.

FORMER Collingwood captain Nathan Buckley says Ben Cousins poses too great a risk to be worth drafting because of his age and personal history.

Buckley, who retired last year after becoming the Magpies' longest serving captain, said if it was up to him the club would not take a punt on Cousins.

"No, (he's a) little bit too old,'' Buckley said.

"He's probably got one or two good seasons left in him and that's if he comes back cherry ripe, because I know how quickly the game has changed in recent years.

"He's missed a lot of football and that's not to mention the issues that you're going to have or you may have with him personally."

 

[Charliebrow16]

To be honest, I'd still take the punt if he was there... Although ideally, you'd like a player like O'Keefe who has 3-5 years left in him.

I think we should be taking an established midfielder or ruckman with the pick. That's just my view.

 

[Ollie Tabooger]

Be fantastic if we could get him.

 

[essendon2008]

Love to have him, not fussed if we don't get him. Not gonna discuss why I think he might be good or bad as it has been done to death.

 

[dapto]

Love to have him, not fussed if we don't get him. Not gonna discuss why I think he might be good or bad as it has been done to death.

His club radar now is broader than expected. The ND is a true lotto for him andto nominate for the PSD him puts into the Bombers sights somewhat.

That said I would still prefer the ROK option but otherwise have great respect for what ben could bring to the EFC otherwise.

And I have zero issues for his past. Indeed respect the fact that to this juncture he has done everything right. Whether it means he can still compete in the questionable manner Nathan Buckley put it, remains to be seen.

But on topic, he is certainly worth a PSD draft pick should it come to pass

 

[sikmoe]

C: Stanton - Mcviegh - Welsh
R: Hille - Cousins - Prismall

woo!! Would be great to get him.

 

[essendon2008]

I have little knowledge of the young talent likely to be drafted and I know it's hard to speculate without the draft having taken place yet, but i ask this:

If we are left with a pre-season pick after draft week, what harm would it do to pick up Cousins or ROK? Im not saying we should pick one up but just want to hear if there is any reason we wouldn't use a pick on either of these two (by this i mean pick wise not player skill/personality wise).

 

[essendon2008]

C: Stanton - Mcviegh - Welsh
R: Hille - Cousins - Prismall

woo!! Would be great to get him.

Got to admit, when all fit that looks pretty intimidating! The weakest link there for mine is Stanton, who is still handy at the worst of times.

 

[cakewalk_1]

Here's an article that was written by Nathan Buckley and was made into a thread on Collingwood's Board. Interestingly he said if it was up to him, he wouldn't take the punt on Cuz.

Well it's not up to Buckley!

Most Collingwood supporters want him there next year. I have an aweful feeling we won't get him over to the pies. He will go to St.Kilda.

Even though some experts say he only has two year of good football. Well that's two valueable years that any club will benefit with on field knowledge that he can pass on the younger players.

Regardless of whether he goes to the pies, bombers or the Saints. He still has something to offer any club. And at his best he is up there.

Hopefully he gets the all clear to play and we will see where he ends up.