Tiger Ben Cousins will play his first match for his new club – and his first game of AFL football in 18 months – after coach Terry Wallace confirmed his star recruit would line-up in Richmond’s NAB Cup quarter-final against Collingwood on Thursday night.
Speaking to almost 10,000 fans at the club’s family day on Sunday, Wallace told the Tiger faithful what they came to hear, ensuring Telstra Dome should be packed to the rafters when Cousins runs out to tackle the Magpies.
“No. 32 this year is certainly a player I know that we're all keen to see play, obviously a champion of the game, and I can confirm to you that he will be playing on Thursday night,” Wallace said.
The match will be Cousins' first since the West Coast Eagles sacked the Brownlow Medallist at the end of 2007.
After a long-running saga in which several clubs – including Collingwood – showed interest in the decorated star, Richmond finally selected him in December's NAB AFL Pre-Season Draft.
And while all eyes will be on Cousins and how he handles his first competitive hit-out at the top level since 2007, Tigers fans will have a triple treat as they will also get to see a couple of young guns strut their stuff for the first time in the Richmond jumper.
Ruckman Tyrone Vickery, the no.4 pick in last year’s national draft, and defender Alex Rance will also play their first games for Richmond on Thursday night.
Rance was the 18th selection in the 2007 NAB AFL Draft but spent last season with Coburg. However after an impressive off-season, the Tigers have high hopes that he will make an impression at senior level this year.
Thursday’s game was originally scheduled for Saturday night, but the AFL reached an agreement with Telstra Dome to move the fixture forward due to a venue clash with the A-League soccer grand final.
Despite the re-scheduling the AFL can expect a bumper crowd. Not only are two of the competition’s biggest-drawing crowds involved, but Cousins’ first appearance is certain to attract thousands of fans from all clubs through the Telstra Dome gates.
Dream Team watch - Ben Cousins is rated a $364,000 midfielder in Toyota AFL Dream Team 2009.
