By Tara Murray
Werribee recruit Mace Cousins is embracing the change having made the move from Geelong in the Victorian Football League off season.
After two seasons at the Cats VFL team, Cousins decided that it was time for a change and settled on last year’s premiers.
“It has been good and I’ve really enjoyed it,” he said. “There’s a few younger boys down there at the moment.
“The culture is really good and I’m loving every minute of it.”
Cousins said he had only heard good things about Werribee and the fact that it was a standalone club was something that attracted him.
He said along with the success in recent years, he felt like it really suited him.
Cousins said he brings a lot out of his time at Geelong with him.
“It was good to get into the team in the first year,” he said. “Last year with injuries I wasn’t able to get on the park.
“It was a fair bit of travel for me. Werribee is a bit closer.”
Cousins made the move from Bacchus Marsh to Williamstown earlier this year, which has reduced the travel even more.
One person that was big in Cousins’ move to Werribee was his local coach at Darley, Dan Jordan.
Jordan previously coached Essendon’s VFL side and was part of the club’s AFL coaching group.
“DJ has been at Darley for a few years now,” Cousins said. “I turn to him a lot in terms of advice and he kind of pushed me to go to Werribee.
“He thought the culture of the club suited my game.”
Cousins is part of a growing number of players from the Bacchus Marsh-Darley area at the Tigers.
Devils’ Brady Wright has joined the club, while Joel Cadman had been training down there. Bacchus Marsh’s Rye Penny and Isaac Nixon are also at the Tigers.
Cousins said it’s nice being surrounded by some mates and there’s a really good country feel to the club.
While Cousins came to the Tigers seeking more opportunity he knows it won’t be easy.
“Winning the premiership last year, I walked in and could see the culture was quite evident,” he said.
“They have a strong winning culture and you can see why they had success. It’ll be tough to get into the side.
“I’m going to back myself in to get down there and work hard and hopefully get an opportunity.”
Cousins said he’s a player that plays with intent and will take a few intercept marks and use the ball well.
After not playing last year due to injury, Cousins is itching to get out on the field.
“I would like to play as many games as possible,” he said. “Hopefully I’m able to get a spot in the side and cement my spot and make myself undroppable.
“I can’t wait, it’s been a while. The practice matches have helped me get into it.”
