Cousins to face court: report

Ben Cousins will reportedly face court next month. Source: Richard Ashford-Hatherly / News Limited

FALLEN former West Coast Eagles star Ben Cousins is facing a fresh chapter in his addiction battle after being charged with drug possession.

Seven News reported tonight that Cousins, who has battled drug addiction, was stopped by police in his car near his Bicton home last October.

The Brownlow medallist and premiership player's car was searched and police allegedly found a bag containing traces of what they suspected was a prohibited drug.

The bag was sent for testing and three months later Cousins, 35, was charged with drug possession despite it only involving a tiny amount of an alleged illicit substance, it was reported.

Cousins will reportedly face court in Fremantle next month.

Cousins was fined $800 in June 2012 after he pleaded guilty to possessing methylamphetamine, a small amount of cannabis and a smoking utensil following his arrest at Esperance Airport earlier that year.

His drug battle ended his 12-year career with West Coast after a string of incidents.

The father of two young children was suspended for 12 months by the AFL for bringing the game into disrepute before making a comeback with Richmond. He retired in 2010.

Cousins' drug addiction has seen him experience relapses, admitted to hospital, undergo stints in rehabilitation centres and offer public apologies.

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Bosnar call looms for Sydney FC

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DEFENDER Eddy Bosnar is likely to learn at the weekend whether Sydney FC will sign him and the signs are promising.

Bosnar, who was recently released by Chinese side Guangzhou R&F, has been training with the Sky Blues for over a fortnight.

Tiago Calvano's exit to the US this week further weakens a Sydney defence which had already lost fellow import Pascal Bosschaart in October and it opens up another spot in coach Frank Farina's squad.

Farina admits the timing could be right for Bosnar before the January transfer window closes next week.

"Yes it does open a door but whether or not we decide to welcome him through that door we'll decide most probably on the weekend because that decision needs to be made by Tuesday," said Farina on Thursday.

Defender Eddie Bosnar, right, playing for Suwon Bluewings against Central Coast Mariners during the Asian Champions League last year. The Aussie centre-back may join Sydney FC. Source: AFP

"Eddy's looking in good shape and we are looking a bit thin across the central defence now.

"So there's an opportunity there."

The 33-year-old journeyman hasn't been back in Australia since leaving the old NSL in 2000, having since had stints at clubs including Everton, Sturm Graz, Dinamo Zagreb and Shimizu S-Pulse.

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Bosnar represented Australia at three different age groups but was never picked for the Socceroos.

Farina said it was more matter of money rather than Bosnar proving his skill.

"He doesn't have to do a lot to impress me. He's got a great history," Farina said.

"It's just a decision we've got to make both financially and for the team.

"If it's the right one we'll go about it."

Eddie Bosnar training with Brett Emerton way back in 2000. Source: News Limited

Farina said however, while there are two spots he can fill in this current transfer window, the club will only be offering contracts until the end of this season.

With the majority of the players coming off contract at the end of this campaign, including the likes of Alessandro Del Piero, Ali Abbas, Joel Chianese, Richard Garcia and Terry McFlynn, Farina says he has plans to wait until then to make more permanent signings.

"If we fill those spots it will only be until the end of this year it won't be long term," he said.

"At the end of this current season only eight players remain on contract so there's an opportunity to really rebuild."

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Farina won't be making too many changes this week however, as the Sky Blues face Melbourne Heart on Friday having dismantled their cross-town rivals Melbourne Victory 5-0 last week.

"It's hard to change a winning side," he said.

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Cousins to face court: report

Ben Cousins will reportedly face court next month. Source: Richard Ashford-Hatherly / News Limited

FALLEN former West Coast Eagles star Ben Cousins is facing a fresh chapter in his addiction battle after being charged with drug possession.

Seven News reported tonight that Cousins, who has battled drug addiction, was stopped by police in his car near his Bicton home last October.

The Brownlow medallist and premiership player's car was searched and police allegedly found a bag containing traces of what they suspected was a prohibited drug.

The bag was sent for testing and three months later Cousins, 35, was charged with drug possession despite it only involving a tiny amount of an alleged illicit substance, it was reported.

Cousins will reportedly face court in Fremantle next month.

Cousins was fined $800 in June 2012 after he pleaded guilty to possessing methylamphetamine, a small amount of cannabis and a smoking utensil following his arrest at Esperance Airport earlier that year.

His drug battle ended his 12-year career with West Coast after a string of incidents.

The father of two young children was suspended for 12 months by the AFL for bringing the game into disrepute before making a comeback with Richmond. He retired in 2010.

Cousins' drug addiction has seen him experience relapses, admitted to hospital, undergo stints in rehabilitation centres and offer public apologies.

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Bosnar call looms for Sydney FC

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DEFENDER Eddy Bosnar is likely to learn at the weekend whether Sydney FC will sign him and the signs are promising.

Bosnar, who was recently released by Chinese side Guangzhou R&F, has been training with the Sky Blues for over a fortnight.

Tiago Calvano's exit to the US this week further weakens a Sydney defence which had already lost fellow import Pascal Bosschaart in October and it opens up another spot in coach Frank Farina's squad.

Farina admits the timing could be right for Bosnar before the January transfer window closes next week.

"Yes it does open a door but whether or not we decide to welcome him through that door we'll decide most probably on the weekend because that decision needs to be made by Tuesday," said Farina on Thursday.

Defender Eddie Bosnar, right, playing for Suwon Bluewings against Central Coast Mariners during the Asian Champions League last year. The Aussie centre-back may join Sydney FC. Source: AFP

"Eddy's looking in good shape and we are looking a bit thin across the central defence now.

"So there's an opportunity there."

The 33-year-old journeyman hasn't been back in Australia since leaving the old NSL in 2000, having since had stints at clubs including Everton, Sturm Graz, Dinamo Zagreb and Shimizu S-Pulse.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Bosnar represented Australia at three different age groups but was never picked for the Socceroos.

Farina said it was more matter of money rather than Bosnar proving his skill.

"He doesn't have to do a lot to impress me. He's got a great history," Farina said.

"It's just a decision we've got to make both financially and for the team.

"If it's the right one we'll go about it."

Eddie Bosnar training with Brett Emerton way back in 2000. Source: News Limited

Farina said however, while there are two spots he can fill in this current transfer window, the club will only be offering contracts until the end of this season.

With the majority of the players coming off contract at the end of this campaign, including the likes of Alessandro Del Piero, Ali Abbas, Joel Chianese, Richard Garcia and Terry McFlynn, Farina says he has plans to wait until then to make more permanent signings.

"If we fill those spots it will only be until the end of this year it won't be long term," he said.

"At the end of this current season only eight players remain on contract so there's an opportunity to really rebuild."

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Farina won't be making too many changes this week however, as the Sky Blues face Melbourne Heart on Friday having dismantled their cross-town rivals Melbourne Victory 5-0 last week.

"It's hard to change a winning side," he said.

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Magpie Scott what it takes

New Collingwood captain Scott Pendlebury,. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Wayne Ludbey / News Limited

EVERY year Scott Pendlebury experiments with something.

In summers past it has been drinking green tea or dining gluten-free. This pre-season, it is mostly organic food.

Behind the relaxed demeanour of Collingwood's new captain is a perfectionist. Someone who won't settle for second best or stand for the "selfishness" that club leaders publicly blamed for last year's failures.

Pendlebury, 26, is adamant the Pies have the cattle to give the flag a genuine crack in 2014.

But at the Westpac Centre, attitude is the new king.

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Driving the club's standards will be a relentless professional, first identified as captaincy material by his predecessor, Nick Maxwell, five years ago.

"It (captaincy) has always been a goal of mine, since I was 21 and first put in the leadership group," Pendlebury told the Herald Sun.

"Maxy said to me one day 'You could lead this footy club and just keep your ears open, keep listening and learning'.

"I feel very honoured to lead this footy club and it's not something I want to muck around with, because I want success, and I will do whatever I have to do to get that."

Maxwell discussed handing over the captaincy this time last year, but felt the time was right now.

The widely-expected handover comes at a critical time for Collingwood.

Last year it underachieved. Harsh criticism was dealt. Favourite sons were gone.

The shock first final loss to Port Adelaide has sat awkwardly in Pendlebury's stomach all summer.

"I was disappointed with what we did (last year)," he said.

"That final against Port Adelaide still burns in my gut. It's the one that got away but ultimately Port Adelaide was the better side.

"They played good footy and were brave and daring we played too safe but we will learn from that."

The 171-gamer has no issue with the club moving on Dale Thomas and Heath Shaw, saying it's "part and parcel" of modern footy.

But to miss the finals for the first time in nine years would be a disaster for coach Nathan Buckley this season.

Pendlebury is buoyed by the team's endeavour, but says their mettle will be tested in a difficult first month against Fremantle, Sydney, Geelong and Richmond.

He believes the club is well-placed to prevent the cracks of last year from reopening.

"Guys seem to be in a good headspace and are working really hard to get ready for Round 1.

"Obviously we get to test it when the games start. That's when you want to have that winning culture."

It hardly seems possible for a player statistically-proven to be more consistent than Gold Coast sensation Gary Ablett, but Pendlebury wants to keep improving.

"I know I've loved it when I've had the chance to lead the boys in home and away games," he said.

"The pride of performance is still going to be there, so maybe I can go to another level.

"But I wouldn't like to think I'm going to another level just because I'm captain.

"I'm doing it because I want to be the best I can be."

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WA 'keeper arrested for stealing

Western Australia wicketkeeper Tom Triffit is in hot water. Source: News Limited

YOUNG West Australian wicketkeeper Tom Triffitt is facing the sack after being arrested in Brisbane early on Wednesday morning.

WA Cricket confirmed that Triffitt, 23, was arrested in the early hours of Wednesday and charged with two counts of stealing and one count of wilful damage.

Triffitt and teammate Tim Armstrong, who was not charged, were both withdrawn from the final day of the WA second XI game against the Queensland second XI in Brisbane.

WA second XI coach Geoff Marsh, the former Test opening batsman, refused to comment when contacted by News Limited.

A statement from WA cricket read: "WACA Management will meet with both players before determining an appropriate course of action. The WACA will be making no further comment until the matter is fully investigated."

Both players were playing in the second XI game in which Ashes heroes Ryan Harris and Peter Siddle both played to get some red-ball practice before leaving for South Africa.

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Pendlebury to lead Magpies

Scott Pendlebury is widely tipped to be Collingwood's next captain. Source: Wayne Ludbey / News Limited

NEW Collingwood captain Scott Pendlebury says the Magpies are capable of emulating Hawthorn and Geelong's premiership dynasties during his playing career.

After six seasons in the leadership group, Pendlebury, 26, yesterday replaced veteran skipper Nick Maxwell as the Pies attempt to move on from a tumultuous 2013.

Heritier Lumumba made himself unavailable for the leadership group for personal reasons while Dayne Beams also excluded himself after an injury-ravaged year.

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Pies president Eddie McGuire blamed selfishness for the Pies inability to repeat their 2010 premiership but Pendlebury believes the club's playing culture had turned the corner.

"Not being greedy, but I've always said that I've wanted more than one (flag)," Pendlebury said.

"Two or three would be nice. I'm very envious of the Hawks boys who have got two and the Geelong boys who have got three, these players with multiple flags.

"I definitely want another one and then no doubt I'll want another one after that."

Nick Maxwell in action at training. Picture: Nicole Garmston Source: News Limited

Maxwell, 30, remains in Collingwood's eight-man leadership group, also featuring new faces Steele Sidebottom, Lachlan Keeffe, Clinton Young and Nathan Brown.

Luke Ball, Travis Cloke and Maxwell round out the group, voted by players and approved by coaches.

The Pies parted company with stars Dale Thomas and Heath Shaw in a major player turnover last year but Pendlebury said he was pleased with the new-look team's commitment levels this pre-season.

The 171-gamer promised a more ruthless and relentless Collingwood in 2014.

"I think for us that consistency of effort and attitude and our intensity last year (cost Collingwood)," he said.

"While we had a crack, we dipped in that a bit.

"We didn't put sides away when we had that chance and when we were two or three goals down we ended up eight or nine goals down.

"So its consistency in effort will be something I think we will be able to hang our hats on this season.

"If we could iron out that inconsistency with effort and attitude just every match day the fans know they are going to see a group that never gives in.

"I think the boys would walk off with their heads held high every week, no matter what the result."

Maxwell, captain for the past five years, said he was happy to move aside for the four-time All-Australian and two Time Copeland Trophy winner.

"You hope that you can step out at the appropriate time and have the right person to pass the torch on to," Maxwell said.

"It is the appropriate time and 'Pendles' is the right person."

Pendlebury reaffirmed the players' faith in Buckley and said the team was in good shape to contend this season.

"I wouldn't like to be sitting in match committee trying to pick a best 22," he said.

"There's good depth of players to pick from and the guys we have brought in with Jesse White and Tony Armstrong and Taylor Adams, they've all been training really well and added a fair bit to the group.

"While we have dropped down the age profile a little bit I'm still really confident of what the group can achieve."

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Red Bull presents 2014 car

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RED Bull has unveiled the car it hopes Sebastian Vettel will steer to a fifth consecutive Formula One world championship, adapting to a major switch to six-cylinder engines.

Four-time defending world champion Vettel and new teammate Daniel Ricciardo pulled the tarp off the RB10 on Tuesday at the Jerez circuit, just before the start of preseason testing. They then posed for photos with team boss Christian Horner and chief designer Adrian Newey.

F1 tweaks the rules governing the engineering of cars each season, but this year's changes have required a major change in design.

Red Bull says its new car is "our first interpretation of F1's radical new technical regulations" and that it "has little in common with its predecessors."

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Taylor steers NZ to India ODI series win

ROSS Taylor's ninth one-day international century proved the difference as New Zealand sealed the five-match series against India with a seven-wicket win in Hamilton.

The Black Caps chased down India's 5-278 in game four, led by Taylor's unbeaten 112 off 127 balls and Kane Williamson's 60.

The pair, who have been in sublime form, put on 130 in a well-paced third-wicket stand, seeing off the threat of India's spinners and taking advantage of some loose seam bowling.

The hosts reached 3-280 with 11 balls to spare, taking a 3-0 series lead heading into a dead rubber at Wellington on Friday.

They won the first matches at Napier and Hamilton before a tie in Auckland on Saturday.

New Zealand openers Jesse Ryder (19) and Martin Guptill (35) departed in the space of five balls.

A composed Williamson scored his fourth half-century from four innings, giving him 292 runs for the series, while captain Brendon McCullum (49 not out off 36) came off successive ducks in aggressive fashion to steer his side home.

McCullum said outplaying the world champions was hugely satisfying and described this win as their best of the series.

"It was another superb performance and in tough conditions which I think suited India more so than us.

"It doesn't matter whether we're batting first or second. What we're seeing is two players (Williamson and Taylor) in outstanding form. When they put together those partnerships, it puts us in a very strong position."

Taylor was especially punishing outside off stump, scoring 14 of 15 boundaries on the off-side, mostly off the seamers.

That is a far cry from the batsman who for several seasons has been spectacular with leg-side blasts but often paid for that approach with his wicket.

"Over the last few years, I've been more renowned for my bottom hand.

"I'm just trying to get the top hand working a bit more and it seems to be working."

Ravindra Jadeja, who ran out Williamson superbly, was also India's liveliest batsman, scoring 62 off 54 balls.

That complemented scores of 79 to opener Rohit Sharma and captain MS Dhoni after the visitors had made a ponderous start.

Dhoni surprised when he chose to bat, having put New Zealand in the three previous games.

The in-form skipper combined with Jadeja for an unbeaten sixth-wicket stand of 127 - the pair whacking 100 off the last 10 overs.

Dhoni criticised his pace bowlers, whose 28 overs conceded 205 runs.

"One thing you don't want to do is bowl short and wide and we consistently did that."

He said his team's batting was also struggling from the start, placing too much pressure on the middle and lower order.

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Kiwis seals series win over India

Ross Taylor raises his bat, helmet and sticks out his tongue after reaching 100 against India. Source: MICHAEL BRADLEY / AFP

ROSS Taylor's ninth one-day international century proved the difference as New Zealand sealed the five-match series against India with a seven-wicket win on Tuesday in Hamilton.

The Black Caps chased down India's 5-278 in effortless style at Seddon Park, led by Taylor's unbeaten 112 off 127 balls and 60 to Kane Williamson.

The pair, who have been in sublime form in the five-match series, put on 130 in a well-paced third-wicket stand, sensibly seeing off the threat of India's spinners and taking advantage of some loose seam bowling.

The hosts reached 3-280 with 11 balls to spare, taking a 3-0 series lead heading into a dead rubber at Wellington on Friday. They won the first matches at Napier and Hamilton before a tie in Auckland on Saturday.

Kane Williamson hits over cover while India captain and wicketkeeper MS Dhoni looks on. Source: AFP

The fourth match proved the most one-sided of an exciting series, with Taylor ensuring New Zealand stayed in control of the chase after openers Jesse Ryder (19) and Martin Guptill (35) departed in the space of five balls.

A composed Williamson scored his fourth half-century from four innings, giving him 292 runs for the series, while captain Brendon McCullum (49 not out off 36) came off successive ducks in aggressive fashion to steer his side home.

Taylor was especially punishing of deliveries outside off stump, scoring 14 of his 15 boundaries on the off-side, mostly off the seamers.

Ravindra Jadeja slog sweeps over midwicket in front of New Zealand wicketkeeper Luke Ronchi. Source: AFP

Spinners Ravindra Jadeja (0-33) and Ravi Ashwin (0-41) were tight in helpful conditions but New Zealand's cautious approach against them paid dividends.

Jadeja, who ran out Williamson superbly, was also their liveliest batsman, scoring 62 off 54 balls.

That complemented scores of 79 to both opener Rohit Sharma and captain MS Dhoni after the visitors had made a ponderous start. Dhoni surprised when he chose to bat first, having inserted New Zealand in the three previous games.

The in-form skipper combined with Jadeja for an unbeaten sixth-wicket stand of 127 off 16.5 overs with Jadeja, whacking 100 off the last 10 overs.

New Zealand's seam bowlers were considerably more accurate than India's, with Tim Southee (2-36) and Kyle Mills (1-42) effective throughout their 10-over spells.

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