Troubled AFL star Ben Cousins plays for the West Coast Eagles for the first time in 16 years
Footy legend Ben Cousins has taken to the field in a West Coast Eagles jersey for the first time since 2007, and the troubled footy star’s redemption story continues at Optus Stadium on Sunday.
The 44-year-old Eagles great made an emotional return to his old club after his acrimonious departure 16 years ago amid substance abuse and the law issues.
The 270-match Brownlow medalist and hero of the 2006 premiership played alongside fellow Eagles legends against the club’s Second Generation Academy, which features the children of former players.
Cousins took to the field to star in an AFL 9s style match alongside premiership teammates Darren Glass, Drew Banfield and Michael Brain, with other club legends such as Phil Matera, Ashley Sampi and David Wirrpanda also taking part in the curtain raiser to the Eagles’ 19-point win over GWS.
The man famous for his ripped guns looked as fit as he did during his playing days when he took on his kids: daughter Angelique, 9, son Bobby, 11, and stepson Alex, 17.
Wearing the club’s famous blue and yellow jersey for the first time in 16 years on Sunday, Eagles legend Ben Cousins played at Optus Stadium as a curtain raiser for the victory over GWS
The 2006 premiership hero looked as fit as he did during his playing days, with his trademark ripped biceps on display
The four-time best and fairest club played in the game for a team of legends against its three children; daughter Angelique, 9 (pictured), son Bobby, 11, and stepson Alex, 17
Cousin said it was ‘magical’ to get a kick out of Optus Stadium and he was grateful for the chance to return to the club for which he played 238 games.
It may have been just a slow play, but the audience could hear them singing “Cuzzy” as they watched their hero’s redemption story unfold.
‘It’s fantastic. It’s good to see some old familiar faces and have a kick and see all the kids having a good time,” cousins said to the Western Australian after the match.
“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 had a special place in my heart. It’s great to be back in the group with some of the guys I’ve played with.’
Cousins’ past indiscretions with the law are notorious, with the Eagles struggling with drug addiction and even jail time.
When he was jailed for the sixth time in 13 years in 2020 for stalking his ex-partner Maylea Tinecheff, he decided enough was enough, and it seems the decision has paid off so far.
Cousins’ return to the field for the Eagles continues his redemption story after dealing with substance abuse, domestic violence-related offenses and time in prison for more than a decade
The Eagles legend looked dapper as he attended last year’s Victoria Derby day at Flemington as he rebuilt his life and career
The brilliantly talented midfielder has recently begun to rebuild his life. He joined WAFL club Perth Demons as a part-time mentor of the under-19 team and also worked for Perth’s Channel Seven as a footy analyst.
He has also volunteered at various events in and around Perth with community group KALT Collective, helping disadvantaged youth, addicts and reformed criminals.
The four-time best and fairest club was a father-son selection courtesy of his father Brian, who played 240 games for the Perth Demons, as well as 67 VFL games for Geelong.
And while he looks like the same ripped player he always was, Cousins admitted he still played a little rusty in the humorously named OWLS (Older, Wiser, Larger, Slower) side.
“I have the occasional kick with my boy’s team at training and kick the occasional footy in Perth [Demons] but not in the sense of a game,” he said after the game.
‘It’s been good. I like to have a kick, it’s a young man’s game, but an opportunity like this is fantastic. It doesn’t happen enough.
It wasn’t all positive I guess. I ate a few. But that’s all part of it and the Eagles crowd has always been great.”
Cousins looked happy and extremely fit as he took part in the game for the OWLS side against the children of ex-players
Cousins had a phenomenal career with the Eagles (before retiring after a spell at Richmond), winning a Brownlow Medal, best and fairest four and being named All Australian six times
Cousins won the 2006 premiership with the Eagles, a game in which he scored two goals
Cousins was as popular as ever with the fans, smiling as he signed autographs after the game with his three children tagging along.
However, the redemption story divided fans, with many expressing disgust that despite a lengthy and serious criminal record, he is still being given opportunities.
Others were happy to see another great appeal of an Eagles jersey.
‘Wow… what a transformation. That’s the best I’ve seen in years in footy. Well done Ben…..and his supporters,” one fan wrote, while another commented, “There are so many happy things about these pictures of a healthy Ben Cousins.”
But others were less than impressed with the media coverage.
“Fantastic that he got a 56th chance,” one footy fan wrote sarcastically.
“You mean that domestic violence guy Ben Cousins? Let’s not sweep that under the rug,” another wrote.