AFL legend Ben Cousins makes guest appearance at Perth nightclub

AFL ‘bad boy’ Ben Cousins has made an appearance at an infamous Perth nightclub, much to the delight of young partygoers.

Troubled AFL legend Ben Cousins has made an appearance at an infamous Perth nightclub.

The 44-year-old West Coast Eagles legend was spotted at Bar1 Nightclub in the north Perth suburb of Hillarys, posing with revellers in pictures shared on Monday.

The nightclub also shared a video of Cousins in the thumping club saying “go Bar1” during his special appearance on Friday night.

Cousins was the guest of honour at the north Perth club. Picture: Bar1 Night Club

In a video to Facebook, Cousins cheered “go Bar 1”. Picture: Bar1 Night Club

Cousins was seen posing with young partygoers. Picture: Instagram

Bar1 announced in an Instagram post that Cousins – who they described as “the greatest player” to don the West Coast Eagles’ colours – would be appearing live at the venue on Friday, June 16.

The nightclub urged it followers to “be early”, adding “don’t say we didn’t warn you”.

On Monday, Bar1 shared more photos of Cousins with patrons, writing alongside one that the 44-year-old was “still the [king]”.

Cousins is well and truly on the path to turning his life around – one commenter even requesting “Benny” share his skincare routine – after a widely reported drug addiction that saw his life spiral out of control.

On Monday it was revealed the AFL legend would read the morning sports bulletins on Channel 7 in Perth.

The new role comes almost a year after Cousins began featuring in a weekly segment on 7 News alongside Perth sports reporter Adrian Barich, in which the 2005 Brownlow medallist provided expert analysis in discussing major talking points for the upcoming round of football.

Although Seven initially chose not to promote Cousins’ move into broadcasting, he impressed many with his work in front of the camera, leading to the new role.

Cousins will front the bulletin for three days a week and will continue his regular segment with Barich.

“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.”

Ben Cousins made is debut on the sports desk for Channel 7 on Monday. Picture: 7NEWS

It is the latest positive move for the former Eagles captain as he continues to rebuild his life after a heavily-publicised downfall, legal troubles, and drug addiction.

Cousins has made a gradual return to the limelight and to footy, including playing in the Perth Metro Football League, taking up a coaching role with the Perth Demons, and captaining a local charity football match in January.

Last year he made a high profile appearance at the Brownlow Medal red carpet in Perth; and in March this year Cousins returned to the Eagles for the first time in 16 years, playing in an exhibition legend’s game at Optus Stadium before the Eagles’ clash with GWS in round two.

Cousins has been open about his recovery from drug addiction which led to the end of his football career.

Infamous club

It’s not the first time that Bar1 has been the subject of headlines.

In February it attracted attention when it posted a photo of bird skeletons amongst a large pile of dirt and dust in a large cavity.

Venue owner of seven years Malcolm Pages shirked responsibility for the gross discovery, saying he knew the birds would have been encased in their tomb long before he took over.

“(The birds) have been there for about 30 years,” he said.

The nightclub attracted attention when it posted a photo of bird skeletons amongst a large pile of dirt and dust in a large cavity. Credit: Bar1/Facebook

Again in February, the club grabbed attention when it banned its patrons from wearing red shoes in a move that bemused the internet.

“Yes, we are serious,” the venue posted on its Facebook page, specifying that the ban will go into effect on February 1.

Speaking to 6PR radio, club owner Malcolm Pages said the ban was aimed at a “certain style of person”, not those who are “well dressed”. He described the type of person in question as having an “attitude to things” or acting like a “tough guy”.

“It’s more a certain element of person which has red Nikes or red ASICs or red New Balance to match with a big, thick chain and a certain shirt,” he explained.

“It’s a little bit eshay. It’s also a little bit Aussie local suburban hero and every pub, nightclub, bar, security person and police officer will tell you ... the local hero certainly wears a certain style of clothing.

“Unfortunately, when these people are dealt with or refused entry or they’ve been asked to leave, a large percentage of the time they have red shoes on.”

Originally published as AFL legend Ben Cousins makes guest appearance at Perth nightclub