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IMPORTANT // Please look after your loved ones, yourself and be kind to others. If you are feeling that the world is too hard to handle there is always help - I implore you not to hesitate in contacting one of these wonderful organisations Lifeline and Beyond Blue ... and I'm sure reaching out to our PRE community we will find a way to help. T.
PUNT ROAD END | Richmond Tigers Forum
It is with great pride I take on the 2009 PRE Presidency of Mark Coughlan in a year when the air of expectation is palpable amongst the Richmond faithful. Excitement, akin to a kid waiting for Christmas, has Tiger fans counting sleeps until the start of next season and nothing excites this Tiger fan more in regard to the 2009 season as the impending return of Cogs.
Mark was selected by Richmond as a second round selection, pick 25, in the 2000 National Draft and made his debut in 2001. From the beginning Mark showed a fierce determination and a willingness to put his body on the line. He won the Jack Dyer medal in only his 3rd year at AFL level. Not bad for a kid who grew up loving cricket and soccer and couldnt get a game in his schools first 18 football team.
In 2004 Mark developed instability in his groin, which later developed into the dreaded OP. He was sorely missed in the team as evidenced by his form when he returned in 2005, averaging 22 possessions per game, and finishing 3rd in the league for tackles and sixth for handballs which are a feature of Marks game.
In 2006, against the Hawks in Tassie, Mark landed awkwardly and injured his ACL requiring a reconstruction. I still remember how shattered I was getting the call to confirm the club expected the worst when it happened. I felt so much for a kid whod put in so much work and effort desperate to repay the faith the RFC and supporters had in him only to be confronted by another hurdle in his journey.
Unfortunately Mark re-injured his ACL during the 2007 pre-season. The comeback was marred with hamstring niggles that prevented Mark playing but controversial treatment in Germany saw Mark return almost immediately to the playing field, where he improved each week for Coburg.
Recent rumours have suggested that Mark has injured his ACL again but Im happy to confirm nothing could be further from the truth. Mark hasnt had so much as a niggle as hes participated in pre-season training and in fact was in the top 10 in the tan run last week.
I hope everyone joins me in wishing Mark the best for the 2009 season and is willing to show patience as he once again gets used to the tempo of the game. Well be a far better team for his contribution.
There wouldnt be a player on our list who wants to get out there and bring success to Richmond more than Mark does. Best wishes for a successful and injury free 2009 Cogs. Eat em Alive as we all know you can do so well.
Mark was selected by Richmond as a second round selection, pick 25, in the 2000 National Draft and made his debut in 2001. From the beginning Mark showed a fierce determination and a willingness to put his body on the line. He won the Jack Dyer medal in only his 3rd year at AFL level. Not bad for a kid who grew up loving cricket and soccer and couldnt get a game in his schools first 18 football team.
In 2004 Mark developed instability in his groin, which later developed into the dreaded OP. He was sorely missed in the team as evidenced by his form when he returned in 2005, averaging 22 possessions per game, and finishing 3rd in the league for tackles and sixth for handballs which are a feature of Marks game.
In 2006, against the Hawks in Tassie, Mark landed awkwardly and injured his ACL requiring a reconstruction. I still remember how shattered I was getting the call to confirm the club expected the worst when it happened. I felt so much for a kid whod put in so much work and effort desperate to repay the faith the RFC and supporters had in him only to be confronted by another hurdle in his journey.
Unfortunately Mark re-injured his ACL during the 2007 pre-season. The comeback was marred with hamstring niggles that prevented Mark playing but controversial treatment in Germany saw Mark return almost immediately to the playing field, where he improved each week for Coburg.
Recent rumours have suggested that Mark has injured his ACL again but Im happy to confirm nothing could be further from the truth. Mark hasnt had so much as a niggle as hes participated in pre-season training and in fact was in the top 10 in the tan run last week.
I hope everyone joins me in wishing Mark the best for the 2009 season and is willing to show patience as he once again gets used to the tempo of the game. Well be a far better team for his contribution.
There wouldnt be a player on our list who wants to get out there and bring success to Richmond more than Mark does. Best wishes for a successful and injury free 2009 Cogs. Eat em Alive as we all know you can do so well.