Ben Cousins PSD?

[ROK Lobster]

I'm not actually convinced that Cousins is addicted to drugs and I think that supposed 'addiction' is offered as a means of partially excusing or at least explaining his behaviour. Rather, I think that he is addicted to a partying lifestyle and celebrity image, which appeals to him greatly. Unless he has a serious meth amphetamine addiction, I doubt that his health or life is in much danger. Rather it's his reputation and sporting career that are in danger.

I suspect you are right. I also suspect he has a few mental health issues, which are acceptable if you are post-natal or a farmer but are generally treated with contempt if you are onw of those "who do not know how lucky they are". Benny is travelling in a very self-destructive spiral, psycho bable may suggest that he is trying to show the world that has put him on a pedestal that he is in fact human and fallible and that he actually considers the hype that surrounds him to be crap. Alternatively, he could just be a spoilt brat. Clearly, his football talent is his albatross and we have probably seen the end of him. I hope he manages to clean himself up and one day find himself in a position - if that is what he wants - where he can publicly put something back into the game and redeem himself.

[dendol]

I really dont know if Cousins would be able to come here and play second fiddle to a leadership group of Mathews, Bolton et al. He would have come from god status in the west to a prisoner on a short leash here at sydney, with huge restrictions on everything he does. Although I know very little of his personal life, I'd hazard to guess that he'd rather piss off into the highs of party life than sit in front of Barry Hall and co and tell them why they should let him play in their team.

Or he'd end up at Richmond who are desperate for any sort of talent regardless of previous history. Terry Wallce: "You promise not to do no more drugs, mmkay? Good thats settled then, you're in".

[AnnieH]

If only Roosy would let me in the coaches box!

Me first Chow.
I want the number to the phone on the bench.

[AnnieH]

I really dont know if Cousins would be able to come here and play second fiddle to a leadership group of Mathews, Bolton et al. He would have come from god status in the west to a prisoner on a short leash here at sydney, with huge restrictions on everything he does. Although I know very little of his personal life, I'd hazard to guess that he'd rather piss off into the highs of party life than sit in front of Barry Hall and co and tell them why they should let him play in their team.

Or he'd end up at Richmond who are desperate for any sort of talent regardless of previous history. Terry Wallce: "You promise not to do no more drugs, mmkay? Good thats settled then, you're in".

Yeah ... what Dendol said. He would find it very hard fitting in.

Why should we force our boys to accept him into the team. As a "team" they would have to accept him - otherwise what's the point.

Why should we be the psychotherapists?

Don't we want another premiership?

Honestly, I think they'd have to spend too much time babysitting disgraced ex-west coast fallen star ben cousins.

I don't care how uncharitable it sounds, but we've got other things to worry about - like getting another flag in before MickyO retires.

[hammo]

Don't we want another premiership?

Aren't we short a quality midfielder?

[dazza]

I think that if Cousins is available and wants to play football we would be mad not to try and get him in the PSD

He is an extremely talented player and can destroy sides like what he did to the Swans when he came back to play for West Coast this year and had 2 games of like over 40 possessions

We need players like that to complement the midfield

Cousins still has at least 5 good years at only 29 years old

Having another brownlow medallist in the team with premiership experience is only going to help the team for a chance at another premiership next year

Also the change of scenery where he is an unknown in Sydney is certainly going to help him get on with his life

The Swans have a habit of turning bad boys into reformed players

Eg Hall Lockett and Everitt to name a few

[Donners]

So I guess we are all in agreement that we should pick him up in the PSD if he is available then. I'll let Kirky know.

My major concern would be logistical.

I don't think he's going to come back for minimum wage, and Sydney has not made salary cap room for a big signing. Indeed, we were trying to trade a senior player, and wound up giving him a pay increase.

Hell, I don't think we even have a space on the list, let alone the money.

Perhaps we can count on somebody retiring in protest at his signing?

[Donners]

The Swans have a habit of turning bad boys into reformed players

Eg Hall Lockett and Everitt to name a few

Lockett and Hall, yes, but Everitt? He's only been at Sydney a season, had his worst season in years and made a bit of a fool of himself over the drug testing!