A fresh-faced, healthy-looking Ben Cousins has made a public appearance in a Perth nightclub, taking photos and dancing with fans as he continues to put his drug addiction days behind him.
Cousins, 44, was a special guest at popular nightspot Bar1 in the north Perth suburb of Hillarys where he was all smiles as he engaged with revellers.
The images and vision of Cousins at the nightclub were a grand departure from the disturbing images of him during his drug dependency days, with one clubber even asking him to share his skin care secrets.
Cousins’ remarkable progress comes after widely reported struggles with drug addiction that had previously caused his life to spiral out of control and saw him wind up in jail.
The former AFL star had the world at his feet at the West Coast Eagles where he won the prestigious Brownlow Medal in 2005 and played a crucial role in the team’s 2006 premiership victory.
Cousins was happy to smile and pose for photos with the young partygoers at the Bar1 nightclub in northern Perth
Despite not playing for the West Coast Eagles for almost 20 years, Cousins remains as popular as ever in Perth
Cousins shares a laugh with some local fans as he enjoys his road to recovery from drug addiction
However, his career was marred by drug addiction and run-ins with the law, with the former West Coast star recently opening up about his journey towards a normal life.
His football career took a troubled turn when he resigned as captain of West Coast in 2006, following a controversial incident involving a police roadblock and subsequent revelations of substance abuse.
Cousins sought rehabilitation but faced further setbacks, including an arrest for drug possession and a 12-month ban from the AFL.
Despite these challenges, he made a comeback in 2009, playing his final two seasons at Richmond.
However, after retiring from football, Cousins faced personal struggles that led to legal issues and a prison sentence for stalking in 2017.
Recently, he has shown signs of improvement, appearing healthy and discussing the difficult path to recovery.
Cousins is making strides in his life’s transformation as he also takes on a new role reading the morning sports bulletin on Channel 7 in Perth.
Since July last year, Cousins has been featuring in a weekly segment on 7 News, providing expert analysis and discussing the key highlights of upcoming football rounds.
Initially unpublicised, Cousins’ transition into TV has impressed fans with his on-camera work, resulting in an expanded role.
He will now anchor the bulletin for three days a week while maintaining his regular segment with Perth sports reporter Adrian Barich.
Ben Cousins celebrates winning the 2006 AFL premiership with former teammate Chris Judd, however his life would soon spiral out of control
Cousins is released from Armadale Magistrates Court after being granted bail for charges including breaching a domestic violence order
Cousins in his new role as a sports presented for Channel Seven in Perth, a new career after a year spent in a guest role with the network
‘It’s been fun. A journey, but I’m learning every day,’ Cousins said.
‘I can tell you, as the words scroll through, it’s harder than it looks.’
The move has reportedly been months in the making and the 44-year-old footy great has impressed his colleagues.
Seven Perth news director Ray Kuka praised Cousins for his natural on-screen abilities.
‘You can see why Cousins was a footy star. He’s of course got natural ability, but his work ethic is incredibly impressive,’ Kuka said.
‘His ability to focus, apply and strive for the best is a credit to him.
‘It, of course, doesn’t hurt that the camera loves him.’
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