Ben Cousins ‘on the straight and narrow’, will attend Brownlow Medal ceremony

Ben Cousins’ redemption story has continued, with the former AFL star set to attend the most glamorous event on the league’s calendar.

Fallen star Ben Cousins has reportedly accepted an invitation from the AFL to this year’s Brownlow Medal ceremony.

In a sign of his improved life circumstances, the 43-year-old is set to attend Sunday’s presentation at a venue in Perth, according to The Age and Seven News.

Watch Fox Footy’s massive line-up of Grand Final week coverage on Kayo including live pre-game, half-time and post-game coverage with full analysis from the best team in the business. New to Kayo? Try 14-days free >

As a former winner of the prestigious award, Cousins is automatically invited to the Brownlow, but due to the AFL’s Covid-affected season, he will be able to attend the league’s main ceremony for the event in Perth.

The 2005 Brownlow medallist will be at same venue where AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan will read the votes out and where there is a strong chance this year’s winner will be crowned.

The invitation is another promising sign Cousins is continuing to get his life back on track, following a lengthy drug addiction and a prison term.

Ben Cousins is set to attend this year’s Brownlow.

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

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

But the ex-Eagles captain has made a promising impression since his release from prison. He is working in construction and made a return to Aussie rules earlier this year, playing for the Queens Park Bulldogs in a local Perth football league.

“There is hope over here that he is back on the straight and narrow,” Channel 7 AFL reporter Tom Browne said.

Cousins, who was a key part of West Coast’s premiership-winning side in 2006, retired from the AFL in 2010 after 272 matches.

Cousins is getting his life back on track. Picture: Simon Santi The West Australian

It’s the second year in a row the Brownlow Medal ceremony will he held at various state-based locations, rathern than in Melbourne as usual.

Several of the favourites to take home the gong will be at the Perth venue, meaning Cousins will likely witness the winner being handed the medal.

Western Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli and Melbourne’s Clayton Oliver and Christian Petracca will be at the ceremony in Perth, due to their teams participation in the AFL grand final on 25 September.

The favourite with the bookies is Port Adelaide midfielder Ollie Wines, who is expected to be among the South Australian players who will travel to Perth for the Brownlow.

Originally published as Ben Cousins ‘on the straight and narrow’, will attend Brownlow Medal ceremony