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Troubled footy legend Ben Cousins reveals what he REALLY thinks of the ‘Prince of Perth’ nickname he earned during his controversial AFL career
- Former West Coast great got the moniker at the height of his scandalous career
- Perth label StreetX features a Cousins-dedicated range called ‘Prince of Perth’
- The range features hoodies, T-shirts and playing cards with Cousins’ artwork
- Cousins has battled drug addiction and time in jail since his AFL career ended
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Troubled AFL star Ben Cousins has opened up on his ‘Prince of Perth’ nickname as he launches a second limited edition range of clothing in partnership with an edgy streetwear brand.
Cousins is the model for the range of T-shirts and hoodies produced in partnership with Perth fashion label StreetX that bear his image and the nickname.
The clothing features images of Cousins during his playing days with the West Coast Eagles Cousins next to the ‘Prince of Perth’ nickname. A special set of playing cards is also part of the release.
In a TikTok video made by the label to publicise the new range, Cousins is asked what he thinks of the moniker that he attracted during the heyday of his controversial career.
‘I try very hard not to think about it,’ he laughs.
Ben Cousins (pictured modelling the latest from the StreetX range) became known as the ‘Prince of Perth’ during his controversial footy career
The first range dedicated to Cousins was released by Perth businessman Daniel Bradshaw (right) in October 2021 and was such a success he released another range
The new range follows a successful release of Cousins-branded merchandise in October 2021.
Cousins is a six-time all-Australian AFL star who played 270 games for the West Coast Eagles and Richmond.
He won the Brownlow Medal in 2005 and captained the West Coast Eagles from 2001 to 2005, securing the club’s best and fairest award four times.
Cousins won the Brownlow Medal in 2005 and captained the West Coast Eagles from 2001 to 2005, securing the club’s best and fairest awards four out of those seasons
The 44-year-old has frequently made headlines – often for the wrong reasons – but appears to be back on the right path after battling alcohol and drug problems for more than a decade.
It was recently revealed Susan Backshell, an immigration assistant and mental health support worker, had made it her mission to get Cousins back on his feet.
She first visited him in jail in 2020 with Cousins telling her he wanted to make amends and clean up his life.
The StreetX range dedicated to Cousins is known as ‘Prince of Perth’ and features hoodies, t-shirts and Ben Cousins themed playing cards
Since Cousins was released from custody in December, Ms Backshell said she’s never once questioned his commitment to sobriety and bettering his community.
Any time he expressed his desire to do better and be a better person, Ms Backshell got him to write it down – a task designed to encourage Cousins to believe in himself.
Getting back on the footy field had also been a dream for the former Brownlow Medalist and something he has managed to do since his release.
At the Queens Park Bulldogs, the Perth Metro Football League club Cousins joined in May after a 10-year hiatus while he battled drug addiction and spent time in jail, the AFL legend is known simply as ‘Cuz’.
And his star power has been ‘sensational’ for the club’s morale and crowd numbers, according to president Ross White.
His presence has reinvigorated the local footy club, who now enjoy crowds upwards of 1,000 when previously they’d be lucky to get 150 on a weekend.
The shirts and hoodies display artwork of Cousins with a footy in hand and a crown on his head
The clothing label was founded by Perth businessman Daniel Bradshaw and first featured the Brownlow Medalist in October 2021.
The first release was so successful another range was made which drops on Wednesday.
The range known as ‘Prince of Perth’ features hoodies, t-shirts and Ben Cousins themed playing cards.
All the shirts and hoodies display artwork of Cousins with a footy in hand and a crown on his head.