Ben Cousins on ‘coming out the other side’

Fallen footy star Ben Cousins has opened up on his troubled life at a rare public speaking event ahead of his appearance at the Brownlow Medal ceremony.

Brownlow medallist Ben Cousins’ return to football’s big awards night is the latest step in his long road back to redemption.

The former West Coast star and ice addict is set to accept an invitation to attend Sunday’s Brownlow Medal count in Perth on Sunday night.

And on Instagram, Cousins showcased his new suit for the occasion.

Cousins is expected to be embraced by the footy fraternity after a long history of missteps and one of the greatest falls from grace the sport has ever seen.

In recent interviews Cousins has spoken about his new life as he continues his recovery from his destructive addiction.

Cousins has continued his personal and public rehabilitation by admitting he has received more chances “than I deserve”.

Ben Cousins with Jarred Briotti getting a suit ready for the 2021 Brownlow in Perth.

Cousins says the support he has had is “more than I deserve”.

Australia’s most infamous meth addict opened up at a sportsman’s night in Perth, making a rare public appearance since leaving prison last November.

“I appreciate the support of the everyone and how many chances they have given me, more than I deserve and more than I would have given anyone else,” he told diners at The Italian Club.

The 43-year-old has prepared for the Brownlow Medal count by picking up a classic grey suit from tailor Jarred Briotti.

Cousins’ long locks and beard are gone, making way for clean shaved and crew cut look.

The running midfielder who played 270 AFL games for West Coast and Richmond played for amateur club Queens Park Bulldogs in the Perth Metro League this year, injuring his hamstring in his second appearance.

On Friday he spoke about his AFL career and the drug-fuelled spiral that followed, and which resulted in stints in prison.

Known as “Cuz”, the Geelong-born player won the Brownlow in 2005 and then won the premiership with West Coast the following year.

Cousins won the Brownlow Medal in 2005. Picture: Michael Klein

He was club captain between 2002 and 2005, giving up the position in 2006 when he was caught fleeing a booze bus.

Cousins was publicly arrested for drug possession in October 2007 when police stopped his car in Northbridge.

The Eagles sacked him them the next day.

After a ban from the game, he played two seasons with the Tigers, retiring in 2010.

Now, Cousins said he was working as a scaffolder and back playing footy.

“I know what I need to be doing. I’m working now and enjoying it. I’ve swapped the footy boots for work boots and loving playing club footy.”

The Bulldogs’ Facebook page joked that their new No. 14 had recorded “more news articles than games played” and was “the club’s most injured player’’.

Cousins is an infamous meth addict who has been in jail.

“I am loving playing footy with the boys, it’s lots of training, early weekend starts and the club demands a lot,’’ Cousins said.

“I used to sleep in on the weekends but now up bright and early and playing with the boys all day, training and helping around.’’

Cousins also volunteers for the Kalt Collective which helps at-risk youth and children with disabilities.

He credits work and the football club connection for his current wellbeing.

“Prior to starting work, going down to the local footy club — training over the summer – it was part of the process for me.

“And it was invaluable — and I really enjoyed the aspect of getting involved.

“I didn’t really have an affinity or a connection to Queens Park prior to going down, which was also a good thing. Meet new people, become friends with people that you haven’t been.

“It reminded me the value that footy clubs provide. I am starting to come out of the other side and getting back to living the life I had hoped to and being happier ultimately.

In his playing days.

He was West Coast captain between 2002 and 2005.

“I definitely don’t (have the star power) — it is not like riding a bike. It is a young man’s game,” he said.

Cousins says he still regrets how his demons impacted the Eagles, and the man who replaced him as captain Chris Judd.

“I know I missed out on that through my decisions but what I really feel is I let my team down, I let my club down and I put Juddy in a tough spot,” he said.

“And I feel for him. It wasn’t a position he was chasing … through my issues I put him in a tough position, and I missed out on captaining a club and team I love so much.”

Cousins appeared for more than hour on stage alongside former Eagles’ teammates Andrew Embley, David Wirrpanda and Quinten Lynch.

West Australian footy great Ross Glendinning said he had not seen the former club champion for more than three years.

“It hasn’t been easy — and he knows it’s been partly his fault, clearly — but to see him now and to hear him talk, that is a wonderful step forward,” Glendinning said.

“And Ben — you have been working now for 17, 18 weeks and haven’t missed a beat, so that is just fantastic.”