Cousins in the SANFL?

[Dutchy]

Just reported on ST that the AFL ban for 12 months does not include him playing in another competition, you would think that a move from WA might be best for him short term therefore SANFL might be a serious option in a couple of months time if his rehab is going to plan....

might be a bit of a sideshow initially but hey any publicity is good publicity!!!

[cd]

Depends if a suspension from a tribunal - if so then cannot play in any affiliated league.

If deregistered then may seek registration with another league.

Has been found guilty of charge of bringing game into disrepute - may be not a tribunal issue but a league ruling so could be an interesting point. Would depend on whether a ruling then applies to affiliated leagues.

Could be one for the lawyers.

[smac]

The AFL could put considerable pressure on state leagues not to register him - would be interesting to see if he tried to play SANFL.

[rod_rooster]

He's not going to play SANFL. He's probably never going to play again. If he does it will be AFL footy in 2009 but that is very unlikely.

[Barto]

It was reported on 6PR that he is allowed to play WAFL, so you'd think that applies to the SANFL as well.

[mighty_tiger_79]

He would be good at Glenelg, can live at the GRAND or the PIER for a year and stroll down to training now and then

[CUTTERMAN]

I'm starting to think that it might be the end of AFL footy for Ben, at 29 he'll be 30/31 when he can possibly return to AFL footy again.

[Sojourner]

I hope the SANFL does not permit that to happen. Cousins is a self confessed drug addict and drug addicts have a long and slow process to get off the drugs despite what assurances they give people. Bringing Cousins into the SANFL is not going to be good for his rehabilitation. People need to leave him alone to go sort himself out and let him come back to the AFL when it can be conclusivley proven that he has changed for good.

[Punk Rooster]

Gladly have him @ North thankyou.
Those taking the high moral ground are deluded if you don't want a player of Ben's capabilities at your club.

[Andy #24]

I hope the SANFL does not permit that to happen. Cousins is a self confessed drug addict and drug addicts have a long and slow process to get off the drugs despite what assurances they give people. Bringing Cousins into the SANFL is not going to be good for his rehabilitation. People need to leave him alone to go sort himself out and let him come back to the AFL when it can be conclusivley proven that he has changed for good.

How does a year without playing football help his rehab? Would any other person who is trying to recover from an addiction be helped by not being employed? Having nothing to do for a year does not help him "get his life together". It's time for people to stop saying the AFL is helping Cousins and recognise the ridiculous charge of bringing the game into disrepute for what it is, an exercise in brand protection.

The AFL are sacrificing Cousins for their own commercial ends.

[Strawb]

Cuz at North next year sounds good will put bums on seats and the crows and power can get a good look at him.

[G]

Why would anyone think a year off would finish Cousins. Hes 29 and physically in top shape.
Everyone expects Biglands to play after a year off with a knee and they are the same age except one wasnt injured.[physically].

Perhaps a promotional job at Clipsal and a run around Prossie oval might just be what he needs.

[smac]

Gladly have him @ North thankyou.
Those taking the high moral ground are deluded if you don't want a player of Ben's capabilities at your club.

Nothing to do with moral high ground, however I would be both surprised and annoyed if Centrals took him. Some short term gain for potential long term pain? No thanks.

Only takes one bad egg to ruin everything, not worth the risk, IMO.

[G]

To be fair smac, Centrals dont need him but every other club has to find something, somewhere to bridge the gap otherwise next year will be no different.

[smac]

To be fair smac, Centrals dont need him but every other club has to find something, somewhere to bridge the gap otherwise next year will be no different.

Every club needs a player of that calibre.

No club needs a player of that character. North have a no dickhead policy, similar to Centrals. I'd be surprised if he passed the entrance exam at either club.

[Dogwatcher]

Do you want someone like that for just one season?
Clubs are already battling to find recruits that will commit to a club for more than a season....

[locky801]

He won't be here so it's not worth much comment really

[BPBRB]

To be fair smac, Centrals dont need him but every other club has to find something, somewhere to bridge the gap otherwise next year will be no different.

Every club needs a player of that calibre.

No club needs a player of that character. North have a no dickhead policy, similar to Centrals. I'd be surprised if he passed the entrance exam at either club.

Your joking if you are referring to North!

[Barto]

North have a no dickhead policy

Then why is Jarman coaching?

[Psyber]

Cousins needs motivation to fight drug addiction - something to regain that is worth more than what he has already to him.

Playing in a lower league with "star" status - even without AFL money levels - may feed his ego just enough to reduce his motivation to change. After all he could be a druggie AND a "star" at a lower level, especially if a club were prepared to put up with the problems and help him hide his behaviour.

If he'd been "outed" a few years ago he might be better off now.