“It is hard when it’s a perfect night and the conditions are just right, the way I love them. I’d rather have been out there, but that’s the way it is with injuries,” he told carltonfc.com.au.
At least Kouta had a lot to like in what he saw from his off-ground position. “The boys played well,” he said. “It was a frustrating first half because we had a lot more shots but couldn’t convert, but then in the second half Richmond couldn’t penetrate us. We had so many scoring opportunities, we probably should have won by a lot more, but it’s just a good win for Round One.”
Kouta said his injury was a six-weeker. He starts running this week and hopes to be running out with his teammates in that sort of time frame. In the meantime, he’s already looking to the Geelong match.
“As long as we play one-on-one footy, we are pretty tough,” he said. “If we don’t let our opponents get away to get themselves easy ball, we should go well.”
Kouta also said he was enjoying life under Dick Pratt’s presidency, especially while the side was winning.
“From the moment Dick Pratt walked in the door, it’s definitely changed. We’re getting money and sponsorships. It’s getting that old Carlton feeling back again.”
Amen.
