House music star Dom Dolla reveals surprise new connection to Ben Cousins

Australian house music sensation Dom Dolla has revealed he’s forged a new friendship with former AFL star Ben Cousins.

Australian house music sensation Dom Dolla has revealed a surprise new connection to former footy star Ben Cousins.

Dolla, who was named GQ Solo Artist of the Year on Wednesday night, received a text from the Brownlow Medallist and Eagles premiership midfielder during the event at Bondi Pavilion.

The pair caught up backstage at his recent Spilt Milk performance in Perth.

“He came down and he’s a lovely guy,” Dolla said.

“The first time we’d ever met. He sent me a text just now saying he loved the show and it was great to meet.”

Dom Dolla attends the GQ Australia Men Of The Year Awards. Picture: Getty Images for GQ Australia

Dolla, real name Dominic Matheson, moved to Melbourne from Darwin when he was 16 and played footy until a back injury changed his course towards music.

Cousins, who has turned his life around after drug addiction, is now a 7NEWS Perth sport presenter.

Ben Cousins with Dom Dolla

Earlier this year he opened up on his path back to health.

“It just gets back to being happy and for a long time I hadn’t been,” Cousins said.

“And I had those fleeting moments where I thought I was kidding myself just to try and get by.

“It’s been a big struggle but today I sit here and it’s not in any way about the things I’ve given up or had to give up or sacrifice, it’s all about things I can give back.”

Dolla was presented the GQ Award by Nelly Furtado via a video message.

“He’s nominated for a Grammy, he’s also a wonderful person and a class act,’’ she said.

In his speech Dolla said: “It’s good to be home, the last few weeks of touring have been awesome”.