Former AFL star Ben Cousins impresses in new TV gig

Former AFL star Ben Cousins has shined in a TV appearance for his weekly segment, with many impressed by his polished skills.

Former AFL star Ben Cousins has continued to put his troubled past behind him, shining in his new TV gig.

Earlier this year it was reported the 44-year-old had signed a deal that would see him feature in a weekly segment on 7 News in Perth.

Watch every blockbuster AFL match this weekend Live & Ad-Break Free In-Play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >

The segment, presented by Perth sports reporter Adrian Barich, features Cousins providing expert analysis in discussing the big talking points from the round of football coming up.

Seven initially chose not to promote Cousins’ move into TV but the 2005 Brownlow medallist has impressed many fans with his work in front of the camera.

The West Coast Eagles legend appeared in the segment alongside Barich on Thursday, unpacking this weekend’s Round 19 AFL action and giving his predictions.

Cousins is tipping the Eagles to claim just their third win of the season when they take on St Kilda at home on Sunday.

“I think West Coast can and will win against St Kilda this weekend,” he said.

“It’d be great to see the boys have a win this week.”

THE BREAK DOWN: Ben Cousins is tipping the @WestCoastEagles to defeat @stkildafc on Sunday at Optus Stadium. #7NEWS@adrianbarichhttps://t.co/iuw7S3koFopic.twitter.com/cr7ezk9xIL

— 7NEWS Perth (@7NewsPerth) July 21, 2022

The 2006 premiership player’s polished presenting skills made such an impression one viewer asked Barich on Twitter: “Was Ben reading off autocue? As that was a pretty impressive delivery of all those stats if he wasn’t.”

Barich responded: “Off the cuff. I was reading though.”

One viewer commented: “Great to see Ben doing and looking well.”

“So good to see Ben healthy and talking footy again,” another wrote.

The former Eagles captain has been showing promising signs recently that he is recovering from the drug addiction that resulted in his life spiralling out of control.

He captained a local charity football match in Perth in January and also made a high profile appearance on the Brownlow Medal red carpet last year alongside guest Kelley Fergus when the event was held in Perth for the first time.

Ben Cousins with Kelley Hayes at the 2021 AFL Brownlow Medal. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

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

His improved mental wellbeing was matched with his physical appearance as he showed a trimmed physique when making his return to football last year for the Queens Park Bulldogs in the Perth Metro Football League.

Cousins played 238 games for West Coast and finished his AFL career at Richmond, where he played a further 32 games.

Since retiring, Cousins’ well-publicised drug addiction has continued to make headlines.

He pleaded guilty to a drug offence in April last year and received a $1500 fine after police found him in East Victoria Park with about 2.5 grams of methamphetamine in his possession.

Cousins has previously served prison time for stalking the mother of his children, Maylea Tinecheff.