Ben Cousins returns to footy on Brownlow red carpet

Troubled AFL star Ben Cousins made a return to the red carpet at the Brownlow, but his appearance was met with mixed reviews.

Ben Cousins’ appearance at the Brownlow for the first time in 11 years was met with a mixed reaction from footy fans.

There was largely joy to see the former winner looking happy and healthy after battling high-profile drug and legal issues and a recent jail stint of seven months.

He proudly walked the red carpet with his glamorous date, Kelley Fergus, who is reported to be a West Australian fly-in, fly-out worker, who works for fine foods supplier Gourmet WA.

The fine foods distributor supplies fancy snacks to leading stores in Australia and abroad.

Cousins on the Brownlow red carpet in Perth with his date, Kelley Fergus. Picture: Getty Images

Cousins, a West Coast premiership player and former club captain who retired at Richmond in 2010, says he is now “absolutely” back on the right path, working as a scaffolder and playing local footy.

He said he was happy to be at what was “definitely a big night” for the AFL.

“It’s been a while since I’ve been to one of the football industry nights, so I’m looking forward to it.”

The former footy star went on to hint at the work he had been doing to get himself on track to attend.

“A little bit behind the scenes, but that’s part of it,” he said.

“You know, we find ourselves in different situations along the way. So just great to be here tonight.”

Ben Cousins playing for Queens Park Football Club at Queens Park Reserve. Picture: Simon Santi / The West Australian

Cousins leaves court after appearing on a charge of possession of methamphetamine and breaching a violence restraining order. Picture: Bohdan Warchomij

Cousins was found guilty of stalking his former partner in October last year and was jailed after intimidating the mother of his two children.

He then pleaded guilty to a drugs charge when found in possession in April 2020 and was fined $1500.

Some social media users were disappointed to see a domestic violence offender celebrated at the event.

But AFL chief Gillon McLachlan and Eagles star Nic Naitanui were among those happy to see the star known as “Cuz” back in the fold.

“He’s a Brownlow Medal winner, he deserves to be here and I’m really pleased that he’s in the right space where he can come,” McLachlan said.

Meanwhile, reaction from footy fans and former big names of the game has been mixed.

The male and female looking at Ben Cousins in this shot sums up the way, on the whole, both genders feel about his redemptive Brownlow attendance pic.twitter.com/yIY1JVGaff

— Benjamin Peter Quirk (@benjquirk) September 19, 2021

Great to hear an absolute Champion of our great game Ben Cousins is alive and well and is attending this years Brownlow Night and back in the AFL arena where he belongs. Enjoy the night mate. I sure enjoyed coaching against you. #neverdoubtafightingchampion#alwaysinyourcornerpic.twitter.com/LAoXoPqZDe

— Kevin Sheedy (@Kevin_Sheedy) September 18, 2021

Ben Cousins, rehabbed or not, does not deserve nor require a public spotlight.

— Chris (@Calbert1994) September 18, 2021

Just watched Ben Cousins on the red carpet and he looks and sounds well. Bloody brilliant.

— Gareth Hall (@ghall27) September 19, 2021

Ben Cousins being invited to the brownlow once again proves that in men's sport, it doesn't matter if you continually stalk your family, beat your wife or break court orders. As long as there's a decent redemption arc, you can get away with anything.

— 🦋 Channy Lou 🦋 (@Channy_Lou89) September 19, 2021