Newman expect Cousins to play

Earlier in the week the Tigers accepted that the gun midfielder was likely to miss their round one clash against the Blues due to an abdominal issue that put Cousins in hospital. No longer is that the case. Captain of the club Chris Newman expects the former Brownlow Medalist to take the field at the MCG next Thursday night. “I’d expect him to [play]. We’ll have to see how he pulls up, but certainly by this morning’s standards I think he’s ready to go … hopefully he’s right to go.” Newman said from the AFL captains’ day at Etihad Stadium yesterday. “I’ve spoken to him over the course of the week and he seemed like he was a little bit flat and obviously in a little bit of pain. “I’m not sure of what the official diagnosis was, but all I know is that he trained this morning and trained really well and he was upbeat. He’s like he’s back to his normal self.” Cousins has managed to escape most of the headlines over summer, however his latest hospital visit and the rumours of a binge drinking problem and an book release may have been the last thing the Tigers wanted in the lead up to round 1.

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