Roos: Mistake to let Cousins play
Sydney Swans coach Paul Roos has taken a swipe at the AFL and the West Coast Eagles for allowing troubled star Ben Cousins to return to football midway through this season, although Roos maintains Cousins’ career should not be written off completely.
“In hindsight I think we’d all say (Cousins) shouldn’t have played in 2007. That was a mistake made by all parties. But the incentive to play again, I wouldn’t like to see that completely taken away,” Roos said on the opening day of Swans pre-season training.
“Let’s learn from the mistakes we made during the year in relation to letting him play. Let’s make sure he gets back to full health before we start worrying about whether he’s going to play or not.
“I think if you make the same mistake twice, it can be quite foolish,” Roos said.
Cousins will face the AFL commission next week, with the hierarchy expected to kybosh any idea of Cousins nominating for this season’s draft. The fallen Brownlow medallist is facing a charge of bringing the game into disrepute, a broad crime which could carry any sort of punishment, ranging from a slap on the wrist to permanent de-registration from AFL.
The Swans unveiled their new recruits on their opening day of pre-season training in former Crow Martin Mattner and Geelong’s Henry Playfair, while teenage Irishman Brendan Murphy cut an impressive figure. At 1.98 metres, the boom youngster is expected to follow in the footsteps of Sydney’s other Irish star, Tadhg Kennelly.
“It’s great having Tadhg as his mentor. He’s three inches taller that Tadhg and he runs a bit better. If he can get anywhere near Tadhg I’d be happy,” Roos said.
| > | Eagles sack Cousins |
| > | Mainwaring full of drugs |
| > | Is sacking Cousins the best option? |
| > | Ben Cousins arrested |
| > | For Gods sake let Cousins recover in peace |
| > | Cousins apology a sorry affair |
| > | Cousins to never play again? Oh please |
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