If you want to talk about Ben Cousins, post it here (mega merged thread)

[CureTheSane]

Here's a sneak-peak into the bigger picture ....

What can disgraced ex-west coast eagles fallen star ben cousins do now?

Do you think he studied for a degree whilst he was under the care of the criminal budgies for 10+ years?

Did he do a trade course?

What chance has he got of finding future employment?

Which media agency will pick him up to talk AFL?

If I were an employer looking to employ someone, "reformed drug addict" doesn't look too good on a CV.

(Before the nuff nuff's have a go at me ... even smokers who have not smoked for 30 years are still called "reformed or ex-smokers".)

I sincerely hope he saved some of the big dollars he got when he was playing footy. He's not likely to make an awful lot money in the future.

This seems to be a topic very close to your heart.
Me thinks you harbor unrequited love.
It's all a big over up!..... I say

[AnnieH]

This seems to be a topic very close to your heart.
Me thinks you harbor unrequited love.
It's all a big over up!..... I say

I've thought about it a lot ... argued even more with budgie criminal sympathisers. Everyone I've argued with is extremely quiet over in the west.

The love isn't unrequited. He loves me big time. I keep telling him that it would ruin my lily white reputation to be seen with him. He just doesn't get it. I wish he'd leave me alone.

[Big Al]

He just doesn't get it. I wish he'd leave me alone.

A 5 day bender after being rejected by Annie. Do you always have that effect on men Annie?

[CureTheSane]

I wish he'd leave me alone.

Me too.

[top40]

In light of the recent 5 day L.A. bender story, is anyone game enough to admit that 3 weeks ago or so, they were advocating via this Messageboard for Ben Cousins to join the 2008 list of the Sydney Swans?

Further, and again in light of the recent 5 day L.A. bender story, are there STILL Swans supporters right NOW who wish Ben Cousins could joined the Swans?

[CureTheSane]

Definately worth the gamble.

He'd be really really cheap right now.......

[top40]

Definately worth the gamble.

He'd be really really cheap right now.......

Except...those California rehab places don't come cheap. Plus, Ben will probably expect the Club to foot the bill for his regular court appearances...lawyers are very expensive.

[ScottH]

Definately worth the gamble.

He'd be really really cheap right now.......

The eternal optimist!!

[CureTheSane]

The eternal optimist!!

I remember a long long time ago, we traded in a young man named Tony.
EVERYONE hated him.
There was the Peter Caven incident.
There was even the pig on the ground episode before he came up the demonstrated the contempt everyone had for him.
Most people however hated him for two reasons.
1) He was a thug.
2) He was a huge player in the 12 goal last quarter comeback to down the Swans at the SCG (I think)

But as soon as he was touted as a trade, I forgot everything and saw the positives in having him play for us.
Most people however, still hated him wearing a Swans guernsey until he begun winning games for us.

Same with Dermie.
Great pickup for the Swans, even though he only played 8 games or so.
He was great for the team and is still a great proponent of the Swans.

If we can draft Benny for next to nothing I'd be happy with that.
Regardless of what he's on, he would be our best midfielder.
If we could help him with his issues, and settle him down a bit (trademark of the Swans) then why not?
Like I said - worth the risk.

All the haters soon become fans.

[swansrock4eva]

I admire the optimism CTS, but can you honestly tell me you think Ben Cousins, addicted to coke, ice etc etc is going to be as easy to tame as a bloke who couldn't control his aggression on the footy field? Especially when he has already shown he doesn't care about his career? Lockett and Brereton still cared about footy first. You can't tell me Cousins is the same, having been told to sort himself out or lose the lot, and choosing to lose the lot?

[ScottH]

All the haters soon become fans.

I was having a go at your "He'd be really really cheap right now......." comment.

But your right CTS, A few winning games and most would forget, or forgive any past discretions.

IMHO, it could be a little while before he is able to play again, for physical/medical reasons or contractual reasons.

[CureTheSane]

I admire the optimism CTS, but can you honestly tell me you think Ben Cousins, addicted to coke, ice etc etc is going to be as easy to tame as a bloke who couldn't control his aggression on the footy field? Especially when he has already shown he doesn't care about his career? Lockett and Brereton still cared about footy first. You can't tell me Cousins is the same, having been told to sort himself out or lose the lot, and choosing to lose the lot?

Firstly, I have no idea what he is addicted to and to what extent.
Secondly, I'd consider it easier to control an addiction rather than to change one's personality and temperament.
I don't know that he has shown that he doesn't care about his career - he is simply addicted to a substance and that is controlling his life at the moment.
I would suggest that he is very much passionate about his career, but his demons won't allow him to do what is necessary to play at the moment.

Having said all that, there is a big chance that he is washed up and finished and won't play again.
Don't confuse me with someone who really G'sAF about Cousins.
He's a tool.
But he might be a great pick up for the Swans if he can sort himself out.

[Damien]

I remember a long long time ago, we traded in a young man named Tony.
EVERYONE hated him.
There was the Peter Caven incident.
There was even the pig on the ground episode before he came up the demonstrated the contempt everyone had for him.
Most people however hated him for two reasons.
1) He was a thug.
2) He was a huge player in the 12 goal last quarter comeback to down the Swans at the SCG (I think)
.

Totally agree with all that, I didn't know a Swans fan at the end of 1994 that wanted Plugger, and I don't know a fan now that regrets for a second that we got him.

I think that example is perfect for almost any player and one I thought about when Carey was on the market.

Cousins is a different story - while Plugger was an angry man and Carey was an um naughty boy, Cousins is simply a risk not worth taking.

Mind you in saying that, I think we would probably win the premiership next year with him in the middle. Just not willing to risk the soul of the club for it.

[ernie koala]

I didn't know a Swans fan at the end of 1994 that wanted Plugger

Well that's funny , because I knew plenty
Yeah, you don't rewrite history, do you .

[Damien]

Well that's funny , because I knew plenty
Yeah, you don't rewrite history, do you .

Um baiting?? Read the rules please.

When Tony Lockett was first mooted as a possible recruit in late 1994, but was likely to go to Collingwood, there wasn't a person at all that I knew (and believe me there were not many fans at that stage even though Barrassi had taken over, so the ones I knew were actual fans) that wanted him at our club.