‘I was bullied by my wife Haylea and our kids’: Adam Cooney on why he chose to go on I’m a Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here!

Brownlow medallist Adam Cooney had to be convinced to join the new series of the reality show but says he’s ready to face his fears.

Adam Cooney is part of the new series of I’m a Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here!

Former footy star Adam Cooney had to be convinced to go on I’m a Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here! and face his fears in the South African jungle.

The Bulldogs Brownlow medallist who finished his decorated 250 game career with Essendon in 2016 says he’s filled with nerves.

“It’s a bit similar to footy in that you don’t know what will happen and you just hope you don’t get injured,’’ Cooney said.

“I didn’t say yes at first, I said no because why would I want to go and eat fish guts?

Cooney says the show is a bit similar to footy.

“I was bullied by my wife Haylea and our kids. She said it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and she loves the show. Everyone has seen it and knows what happens. I’ll probably be vomitting because of the food and challenges. The food and heights are my main two (fears) but I have been brave before and gone on a ferris wheel.”

Cooney who is part of Channel 7’s Friday night footy show, Armchair Experts, says he wants to do well like other footballers before him including Brendan Fevola, Dale Thomas and Nathan Buckley.

“Imagine if I get voted out first, it’d be a disgrace if I do,” he said.

“I’d love to see Michael Jordan in there. I guess I’m hoping to lose weight and I think once my kids see me on TV they’ll love it. I’m not a very emotional person but I guess you have a lot of time to think.”

Cooney was announced on Sunday night during the first episode on Network Ten. He joins other stars including Kerri-Anne Kennerley, Ian ‘Dicko’ Dickson, Domenica Calarco, Debra Lawrance and Woody Whitelaw.