Net Worth: c. $1 – 5 Million
Age: 45
DOB: 30 June 1978 (age 45 years),
Birthplace: Geelong, Victoria, Australia
Ben Cousins is a retired professional AFL player who enjoyed a successful 14-year career for the West Coast Eagles and Richmond Tigers.
During his playing days, he was widely regarded as one of the most talented midfielders ever to play the sport. In fact, journalist Mike Sheahan included Cousins on his list of the fifty greatest players of all time.
While he regularly hit the back pages for his sporting achievements, he often hit the front pages due to controversies and scandals. He also accumulated a net worth of approximately one to five million.
Early Life and Rise to Prominence
Ben Cousins was born into a family with a deep connection to Australian Rules Football. His father, Bryan Cousins, played for Geelong in the 1970s, laying the foundation for Ben’s early exposure to the sport. Thanks partly to being raised in the football-centric culture of Geelong, Cousins exhibited an innate talent for the game from a young age.
He attended Wesley College in Melbourne, where his athletic prowess became increasingly evident. He represented the school in various sports, but it was his performances on the football field that garnered the most attention. Cousins’s exceptional skills and determination to succeed caught the eye of talent scouts, and in 1995, at the age of just 17, he was drafted by the West Coast Eagles as the 5th overall pick in the AFL Draft.
West Coast Eagles Career
Cousins made an immediate impact in his debut season with the West Coast Eagles in 1996. His dynamic playing style, characterised by explosive speed, remarkable agility and impeccable ball-handling skills, quickly established him as a rising star in the AFL. Cousins’s ability to cover ground swiftly and his uncanny knack for finding the goals made him a pivotal asset to the Eagles.
The year 2000 proved to be a watershed moment in Cousins’s career as he played a crucial role in leading the West Coast Eagles to their third premiership. The Grand Final victory against the Essendon Bombers solidified Cousins’s reputation as one of the game’s elite midfielders. He was awarded the Brownlow Medal in the same year, recognising his outstanding individual performances throughout the season.
Off the field, Cousins became known for his charismatic personality and marketability, making him a sought-after figure in the AFL. His popularity transcended the sport, and he became a household name – admired not only for his footballing prowess but also for his off-field charisma.
Challenges and Controversies
As Cousins reached the pinnacle of his career, the first signs of trouble emerged. His battle with substance abuse began to surface publicly, creating a stark contrast to the polished image he presented on the field. The media scrutiny intensified and Cousins found himself at the centre of several controversies that threatened to derail his illustrious career.
In 2006, Cousins was arrested for drug possession, which marked a significant low point in his life. The incident led to the West Coast Eagles suspending him indefinitely. His struggles with addiction became increasingly apparent and the once-golden boy of Australian football was now grappling with personal demons that transcended the boundaries of the sporting arena.
Despite the challenges, Cousins made a comeback in 2007, rejoining the West Coast Eagles after a period of rehabilitation.
Fall from Grace
While Cousins’s return to the field was commendable, it was short-lived. In 2007, the West Coast Eagles decided not to renew his contract, which therefore signalled the end of an era. Cousins’s departure from the club that had been his home for over a decade marked a poignant moment in his career. It also brought to the fore the toll that his personal struggles had taken on his professional life.
The next few years saw Cousins attempting to revive his career with the Richmond Football Club. However, his time at the Tigers was marred by injuries and a lack of confidence and form.
Finally, in 2010, he made the decision to retire from professional football, bringing an end to a tumultuous yet illustrious playing career.
Post-Retirement and Legal Troubles
Life after retirement proved to be a challenging chapter for Cousins. His well-documented battles with addiction continued to overshadow his achievements on the field.
In 2012, he faced legal troubles once again, this time for drug-related offences. Cousins was arrested and subsequently sentenced to 12 months in prison.
The legal proceedings and incarceration further heightened public scrutiny of Cousins’s personal life.
Recovery and Redemption
Amidst the darkness, there were glimmers of hope that Cousins would turn his life around. Following his release from prison, he embarked on a journey of recovery and redemption. He sought professional help to overcome his addiction issues and committed to rebuilding his life.
In 2019, Cousins revealed that he was two years clean from illicit substances, marking a significant milestone in his battle against addiction. The football community, along with fans and well-wishers, rallied behind him, hoping for a positive turnaround in his life.
Legacy and Impact
Ben Cousins’s life and career have left an indelible mark on Australian Rules Football. His on-field brilliance and charisma endeared him to fans, while his off-field struggles served as a stark reminder of the human side of sporting icons. Cousins’s legacy is complex, with his triumphs and tribulations intricately woven into the fabric of AFL history.
While his battles with addiction brought immense challenges, Cousins’s journey towards recovery and redemption also serves as an inspiration to many. His resilience and commitment to overcoming personal demons demonstrate the strength of the human spirit, transcending the boundaries of sport.
Channel 7News
After overcoming his addictions, Ben Cousins got a job as a sports presenter for the 7NEWS Morning Edition in Perth. He is steadily establishing himself as one of the city’s leading sports presenters.
Cousins has also released an autobiography titled ‘My Life Story’ which Macmillan Australia published.