Cousins future could hinge on bench call

Ben Cousins' chances of playing another season could hinge on what the AFL decides
about interchange moves, according to Richmond coach Damien Hardwick.
Hardwick said the Tigers wanted to know quickly what the league had in mind in
restricting rotations as it affected what decision Richmond made on some players.
Under present rules, where there is no limit on the number of times sides can bring
players on and off, players can be used in short bursts.
But Hardwick admitted putting a cap on interchanges could have an impact on whether
the Tigers offered Cousins, 32, another season.
"It may do. That's something we'll have to weigh up and that's why we like to know
earlier rather than later," he said.
The AFL's laws of the game committee plans to meet next month to discuss the issue,
and the league has indicated a cap of 100 interchanges per game would slow the game
and reduce injuries.
Sides average about 115 interchanges per game this season, but Hawthorn made 156
player swaps during their draw with St Kilda last Friday night.
Hardwick said he had no preference either way on a cap or an unrestricted
interchange, but wanted a speedy resolution so the Tigers could begin planning.
The issue affected the sort of players Richmond would recruit, or in Cousins' case,
retain, as Hardwick said the decision could have an impact on the length of careers.
"There's no doubt it's a possibility," he said.
"The four interchange players has allowed you to play guys a little bit older, but
the speed of the game can also take that away.
"It's on a knife edge either way from our point of view, and all we want to do is be
informed about which way it's going."
Cousins has played 27 games in two seasons for Richmond after 238 for West Coast.