AFL bad boy Ben Cousins makes stunning career breakthrough after drugs and prison hell
AFL bad boy Ben Cousins makes stunning career breakthrough after drug and prison hell
- Ben Cousins was unveiled as Seven Perth news presenter on Monday
- The former AFL star was already contributing to the network’s footy coverage
- Cousins won the premiership with West Coast in 2006, but was sacked a year later
Former AFL star Ben Cousins admits he is ‘learning every day’ after debuting as a Seven News sports presenter.
The former West Coast great read the sports headlines in the morning bulletin of the Perth network on Monday.
‘It was fun. A journey, but I’m learning every day,” said Cousins, who already contributed as an analyst to Seven’s AFL coverage.
“I can tell you, when the words scroll through, it’s harder than it looks.”
Seven Network news director Ray Kuka said the former AFL star had already made an impression in his new role.
Ben Cousins started his new role as Seven News Perth news presenter on Monday
You can see why Cousins was a footy star. He has talent, of course, but his work ethic is incredibly impressive,” he said.
“His ability to focus, apply and pursue the best is credit to him.
“Of course it doesn’t hurt that the camera loves him.”
Cousins played 238 games and scored 205 goals for West Coast between 1996 and 2007, winning the premiership in his penultimate season at Perth.
The former midfielder captained the Eagles from 2001 to 2005, winning the club’s best and fairest trophies in four of those five seasons.
He was suspended by the club in March 2007 – just six months after the Grand Final triumph against Sydney – for alleged substance abuse and dismissed six months later after being arrested for drug possession and refusing to submit to a blood test.
He returned to the AFL with Richmond in 2009 before retiring at the end of the 2010 season.
Cousins was jailed six times in 13 years and spent seven months behind bars in 2020 when he apparently decided enough was enough.
The former AFL great attended last year’s Victoria Derby day in Flemington as he rebuilt his life and career
Cousins returned to the Eagles for the first time in 16 years in March, playing at Optus Stadium as a curtain raiser for the win over GWS
He has lately started to rebuild his life by joining WAFL club Perth Demons as a part-time mentor of the under-19s team, as well as working for Channel Seven in Perth.
He has also volunteered at various events in and around Perth with community group KALT Collective, helping disadvantaged youth, addicts and reformed criminals.
‘It’s fantastic. It’s good to see some old familiar faces and have a kick and see all the kids enjoying themselves,” Cousins told the Western Australian after an emotional return to the Eagles in March.
“It’s the first chance I’ve had to kick at Optus Stadium and it’s magical.
‘It [West Coast] was such a big part of my life and at times I’m a little removed, [but] it has always held a special place in my heart.
It’s great to be back in the group with some of the guys I’ve played with.’