Breaking News: Richmond Draft Ben Cousins in Preseason Draft
December 16, 2008 by News
Despite saying yesterday that they were ‘highly unlikely’ to use their only selection in the 2008 AFL Preseason Draft to draft former Eagle Ben Cousins, Richmond have just landed the former Brownlow medallist with their number 6 pick.
The Tigers admit they found the AFL’s ruling on Graham Polak yesterday as ‘unexpected’, and it appeared that they would stick to their policy of using pick 6 on a youngster, however they appeared to have a change of heart overnight.
Both the preseason and rookie drafts were run as ‘net meetings’, and were late to get underway after ‘technical issues’ meant a number of clubs were unable to dial in – only lengthening the suspense for the Tiger fans who would have been expecting an answer right on 10am.
In further news from the preseason draft, Port used pick no.2 to take Josh Carr and Chris Johnson went to Carlton at pick 4.
We will bring you the full results of today’s draft action in a later update so keep an eye out for that!
Richmond have done the right thing, even if it doesnt work out they can sack Ben & move on. But the potential upside is huge, he could play for 5 more years and in that time the Tiges will at least get close to a GF. Thats my 2 cents worth…
Agree Cousins will help them push for a GF
I have said before that I think ‘cuzz’ catapults them into top 4 contention this year.. making the top 4 is never a bad thing! Provides their players with more finals experience and the opportunity to ‘steal’ a flag.
I think people are getting a bit too far ahead of themselves. Yes Cousins should help them sneak into the Top 8 but Top 4 and maybe stealing a Flag, turn it up this is Richmond we are talking about.
it is really down to sheeds for inspiring a rather uninspiring tigers coaching panel. plough cant coach. round 5 he will be gone. wish essendon had of grabbed him tbh.
Yes this is Richmond but this is the first brave positive thing they have done for 20 odd years. To win a GF you have to be brave and take risks…
The arrival of Cousins opens the possibility that the Tiges might become genuinely competitive (when he’s playing). Anything more is unfounded optimism.
Well done Richmond on grabbing BC. Strength and experience in the midfield help win the ball and help win games.