Ben Cousins

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Ben Cousins

Cousins at the 2006 AFL Grand Final parade.
Personal information
Full nameBenjamin Luke Cousins
Nickname(s)Cuz
Date of birth (1978-06-30) 30 June 1978
Place of birthGeelong, Victoria
Original teamBullcreek-Leeming JFC
DraftFather/son selection, 1995 (West Coast)
6th overall, 2009 Pre-season Draft (Richmond)
Height/Weight1.79 m (5 ft 10 in) / 78 kg (172 lb)[1]
Position(s)Midfielder
Playing career1
YearsClubGames (Goals)
1995–96
1996–2007
2009–10		East Fremantle
West Coast
Richmond		10 (15)
238 (205)
32 (12)
International team honours
YearsTeamGames (Goals)
1999Australia2 (0)
1 Playing statistics correct to end of 2009 season.
Career highlights

Benjamin Luke "Ben" Cousins (born 30 June 1978)[2] is a former Australian rules footballer, best known for his 270-game career with West Coast and Richmond in the Australian Football League (AFL).

Cousins is listed by journalist Mike Sheahan as one of the top 50 players of all time.[3] During his eleven years with West Coast, he won several of the league's highest individual awards including a Brownlow Medal, Most Valuable Player and a premiership medallion, was selected six times in the All-Australian Team and represented Australia in the International Rules Series. He was West Coast's club champion for four seasons and captain for five seasons.

His football career has been marred by highly-publicised off-field incidents involving recreational drug use, traffic convictions and association with criminal elements. On several occasions he was fined or sanctioned by the West Coast Eagles, culminating in his contract's termination on 17 October 2007.[4] On 19 November he was banned from AFL for one year by the AFL Commission for "bringing the game into disrepute".[5] Cousins was cleared to return to football in 2009 and was drafted by Richmond Football Club on 16 December 2008. He retired from the game at the end of the 2010 season.

Early life

Cousins was born in Geelong in 1978, to parents Stephanie and Bryan, a former player for the Geelong Football Club. When Cousins was 18 months old, his family moved back to Perth,[6] where he was raised with younger siblings Matthew, Sophie and Melanie. He played junior football for the Bull Creek-Leeming Junior Football Club,[7] and for his private school, Wesley College. In his last year at Wesley in 1995, Cousins was recruited to join the East Fremantle Football Club's senior side in the WAFL, and played for both his school and East Fremantle throughout the season.[6]

While Cousins was still at school, three AFL teams competed to draft him under the Father-Son Rule: Geelong Football Club, West Coast Eagles and newly formed Fremantle Football Club. Cousins' father Bryan played 238 games for Perth in the WAFL and 67 games for Geelong in the VFL, during the 1970s and 1980s. Geelong's recruiting manager, Stephen Wells, said, "Ben barracked for Geelong and we tried everything to get him here".[6] However, Cousins preferred to remain based in Western Australia and chose West Coast in October 1995.

1996–2010: Australian Football League (AFL) career

1996–2004: Debut and rising popularity

At 17, a week after his tenth WAFL game for East Fremantle, Cousins played his first AFL match and kicked two goals for West Coast against Geelong.[6] He won the Norwich Rising Star award for his debut season in 1996, polling 15 votes from the six judges to beat Shannon Grant by one point.[8]

Cousins' popularity continued to increase over the following seasons. In 1998, the Herald Sun ran a two-page article across its centre pages about 20-year old Cousins, titled "West goes wild for the kid". The article portrayed Cousins as a sex symbol and "football's answer to Brad Pitt". When asked about the article, he said the popularity "comes with the territory... If you want to be a league footballer you have to accept that it is part of the game."[9] Sports agent Ricky Nixon approached Cousins in 1998 about managing his endorsement deals, because "He's good-looking, he elected to stay in Perth and not play in Victoria, opposition coaches take notice of him and on top of that he's a future leader."[10] In 1999, International Management Group, who managed sports stars such as Tiger Woods and Pete Sampras, said they would like to sign Ben, as "There is no doubt that he is now in the top bracket of players and has great marketing potential... Apart from being an outstanding footballer, he is a quality young man."[11] Ross Nicholas, West Coast's marketing manager, said:[6]

"He's easily the most sought-after Eagle... No player was, or is, as popular as Ben. His appeal is so diverse. Kids want his autograph and photograph. Sponsors want him to sit next to them. They want him to push their product... If Ben's well managed, the sky's the limit for him... They've got to find the balance between his commercial potential and his contribution to the community. The club offers protection, but it's up to Ben what demands he puts himself under."

In 1998, Cousins was selected in the All-Australian Team and was runner-up in West Coast's Best and Fairest.[12] Cousins played in his first AFL finals game in 1999, against the Western Bulldogs in a qualifying final at the MCG,[13] and the year included another selection in the All-Australian Team and representing Australia in the International Rules Series.[12] In 2000, Cousins signed a new three-year contract with the West Coast Eagles, reportedly worth nearly A$1 million.[14] He played his 100th game amid speculation he will take over the captaincy from Guy McKenna, who was due to retire after the same game. Cousins said, "After you play two or three seasons, you think of the possibility of a leadership role down the track, but the talk of it has certainly come a lot earlier than I would have thought."[14] In 2001, Cousins was named co-captain, sharing the role with Dean Kemp.[15] He won his first club Best and Fairest at the end of the season, which he repeated in 2002 and 2003,[16] and he was again named in the All-Australian Team in 2001 and 2002.[17] Kemp's retirement saw Cousins become the captain in 2002, a role he filled until 2006. In 2005, West Coast coach John Worsfold said of Cousins' fifth year as captain, "Ben is improving all the time and with the way this group is coming along, I think he is going to be a great leader".[18]

In early 2003, Cousins injured his ankle in a game against Hawthorn, playing on through five weeks of pain-killing injections.[19] In Round 15, 2004, he injured his back and missed six games. Cousins said, "That injury is something that I got over and am probably no chance of getting a relapse... The other side to it is, because I have played 10 years of consistent AFL footy, I've probably got an older back than someone my age".[19] In Round 1, 2005, he dislocated a finger and missed one round after undergoing an operation.[19] West Coast chief executive Trevor Nesbitt said, "There's no doubt that he's at his best when under pressure and he's so resilient; he plays with injuries that other players wouldn't".[19]

2005: Ten years at West Coast and a Brownlow medal

After Cousins played his 200th game in July 2005 he was given a "rousing reception from 41,524 grateful fans",[20] as video clips of his ten years at West Coast were shown at the end of the game. Cousins was "possibly the highest-profile sportsman in Western Australia",[19] the youngest of the 10 West Coast players to reach 200 games and the 14th youngest in the history of the AFL/VFL.[19]

Cousins won the Brownlow medal, the AFL's highest individual player award, on 19 September 2005 with 20 votes, ahead of teammate Daniel Kerr on 19 votes and Nick Dal Santo on 18 votes.[21] Cousins was the favourite to win with bookmakers, after five previous top-10 finishes.[21] He did not attend the award ceremony in Melbourne, remaining in Perth to prepare for West Coast's Grand Final match against Sydney Swans the following weekend.[21] His celebration was "very quiet, I went over to the bar, bought the folks a bottle of champagne, had one lemonade and went up to the (hotel) room. I managed to get to sleep before midnight, which was a bonus."[22] West Coast's last training session in Perth, before travelling to their first Grand Final game since 1994,[21] was attended by 3,000 fans.[22] Trevor Nesbitt, West Coast's chief executive, said he expected that the combination of the team's Grand Final appearance, Cousins' Brownlow win, and Chris Judd's Brownlow win in the previous year, would lead to a turnover of around $2 million in club merchandise.[23] Nesbitt added:[23]

"It's quite a special time for the club and it's probably worth $1 million to WA footy as a minimum I would think... The performances of Chris and Ben assist us in raising more money for WA football and their contribution is just outstanding. They're marquee players and, apart from everything else that happens with them, they are extremely beneficial for all West Australians."

West Coast lost the 2005 Grand Final to Sydney by four points, but as well as his Brownlow win, Cousins was awarded another West Coast Best and Fairest and the players' Most Valuable Player award, with 159 votes compared to runner-up Matthew Pavlich's 99 votes.[24] He was runner-up to Barry Hall in the coaches' player of the year award,[24] and in statistics, had 612 disposals, 24 goals, and ranked in the top five of the league in nine of the 12 categories.[24]

2006–2007: Captaincy resignation, grand final win and AFL ban

In February 2006, Cousins resigned his captaincy after an off-field incident where he fled a booze bus.[25] In May 2006, he signed a new three-year contract with West Coast, and in September 2006, West Coast won the Grand Final, defeating Sydney.[26] Cousins was suspended indefinitely by West Coast on 20 March 2007 after missing two training sessions.[27] It was later confirmed that Cousins had a substance abuse problem.[28]

Wikinews has related news: Ben Cousins sacked by West Coast in AFL drug scandal

After returning from four weeks of rehabilitation in Malibu, California for substance abuse,[26] Cousins was offered an amended contract by West Coast, rumoured to contain strict conditions such as repaying the cost of rehab and undertaking regular drug tests.[29] On 29 June 2007, Cousins was given clearance by the AFL to resume training with the West Coast Eagles, which he did on the following Monday.[30] However, he injured a hamstring in training,[31] delaying his comeback until West Coast's home game against Sydney on 21 July at Subiaco Oval. He gained 38 disposals in the game,[32] and six marks, inspiring West Coast's win.[33]

On 16 October 2007, Cousins' car was stopped in Northbridge and searched. He was arrested for drug possession and refusing to submit to a blood test. The Eagles sacked him the next day, which meant that he was no longer a registered AFL player.[4] He was banned from playing senior football for 12 months by the AFL Commission on 19 November for "bringing the game into disrepute",[5][34] and formally delisted by West Coast on 30 November.[35] Eagles officials said that he would never appear in an Eagles guernsey again, and AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou said it would be "extremely difficult" for him to ever return to the AFL.[4]

2008–2010: Career renewal at Richmond

In November 2008, the AFL Commission cleared Cousins to play AFL football in 2009. The Commission ruled that Cousins must submit to regular drug tests, including urine testing up to three times per week and hair testing up to four times annually.[36] Cousins attended drug testing in early November with no body hair long enough to sample.[37]

Several teams showed an interest in drafting Cousins for 2009, including Collingwood Football Club, St Kilda Football Club and Brisbane Lions.[38] Collingwood sent a private investigator to Perth to follow Cousins for several days. After meeting with Victorian chief commissioner of police Christine Nixon, in October 2008 Collingwood announced that they would not draft Cousins.[39] In November 2008, after reviewing Cousins and consulting stakeholders for five months, St Kilda said they would not draft him.[40] The day before the national draft, Brisbane issued a media release that said they would not be drafting Cousins.[41] On 29 November 2008, Cousins was not selected in the 2008 AFL National Draft.[42]

Ahead of the AFL Pre-season Draft in December, Richmond Football Club approached the AFL Commission for approval to move injured senior player Graham Polak to its rookie list to obtain a second draft pick in the pre-season draft, which it said it would use to select Cousins.[43] The AFL Commission had given approval to Essendon two years earlier to do similar with Adam Ramanauskas during his battle with cancer. The commission, with the support of the AFLPA and most of the clubs, denied Richmond's request.[44] However, Richmond selected Cousins with its only Pre-season Draft selection (#6 overall) anyway on 16 December.[45] Following this Richmond received an influx of new club members[45] and Cousins trained with the team the following day in front of a crowd of around 2,000.[46] In Richmond's Round 1 game against Carlton on 26 March, Cousins strained his hamstring during the final quarter.[47] He played a game with the Coburg Football Club in the Victorian Football League before returning to the AFL in Round 7 against Brisbane.[48][49]

On 17 August 2010, after weeks of speculation by the media, Cousins announced his retirement in front of his family and huge crowd. During the speech, he thanked everyone who has assisted him during his career, particular his encounters with drugs and the law, as well as apologising his family for the situation he has put them in:[50]

I'll always regret what I've put my family through. There's a lot of shame and regret. People wonder why I haven't broken down or shed a tear (in public). My tears are something that I hold close to me; they're for me and my...

Career statistics

Statistics are correct as of 30 August 2010 (Round 22, 2010 season). Averages are in brackets.[51]
Season Team No. Games Disposals Kicks Handballs Marks Tackles Goals Behinds
1996 West Coast 35 20 276 (13.8) 170 (8.5) 106 (5.3) 61 (3.1) 24 (1.2) 34 (1.7) 15 (0.8)
1997 18 263 (14.6) 149 (8.3) 114 (6.3) 48 (2.7) 21 (1.2) 22 (1.2) 13 (0.7)
1998 9 23 489 (21.3) 294 (12.8) 195 (8.5) 63 (2.7) 33 (1.4) 20 (0.9) 13 (0.6)
1999 22 515 (22.4) 310 (14.1) 205 (8.3) 75 (3.4) 25 (1.1) 14 (0.6) 13 (0.6)
2000 17 431 (25.4) 261 (15.4) 170 (10.0) 67 (3.9) 34 (2.0) 9 (0.5) 11 (0.6)
2001 22 600 (27.3) 335 (15.2) 265 (12.1) 63 (2.9) 34 (1.5) 15 (0.7) 7 (0.3)
2002 23 556 (24.1) 327 (14.2) 229 (9.9) 56 (2.4) 57 (2.5) 16 (0.7) 11 (0.5)
2003 23 520 (22.6) 295 (12.9) 225 (9.8) 68 (2.9) 42 (1.8) 20 (0.9) 8 (0.3)
2004 17 369 (21.7) 203 (11.9) 166 (9.8) 52 (3.1) 38 (2.2) 8 (0.5) 7 (0.4)
2005 24 612 (25.5) 391 (16.3) 221 (19.2) 146 (6.1) 33 (1.4) 24 (1.0) 11 (0.5)
2006 22 553 (25.1) 312 (14.2) 241 (10.9) 107 (4.9) 39 (1.8) 20 (0.9) 13 (0.6)
2007 7 175 (25.0) 90 (12.9) 85 (12.1) 19 (2.7) 16 (2.3) 3 (0.4) 3 (0.4)
2009 Richmond 32 15 358 (23.9) 154 (10.3) 204 (13.6) 42 (2.8) 45 (3.0) 5 (0.3) 3 (0.2)
2010 17 376 (22.1) 156 (9.2) 220 (12.9) 68 (4.0) 48 (2.8) 7 (0.4) 6 (0.4)
Totals 270 6093 (22.6) 3447 (12.8) 2646 (9.8) 935 (3.5) 489 (1.8) 217 (0.8) 134 (0.5)

Personal life

Early professional career

In 1997, Cousins took part in an education campaign for the WA Asthma Foundation. During his first year in the AFL, Cousins said his chest often felt tight and he had difficulty playing, "but if I monitored my asthma correctly and took the right medication, I was able to overcome those effects".[52] In 1999, he had a mild asthma attack while warming up for a game against Melbourne, then fainted after the game at a restaurant. West Coast's football manager, Rod Lester-Smith said Cousins may have been affected by asthma, low blood pressure from playing the game earlier, and a corked leg that caused some internal bleeding. He was taken to Murdoch Hospital and recovered quickly.[53]

West Coast coach Ken Judge was told by a Perth detective in 2001 that Cousins and two of his teammates may be using illegal drugs. Judge passed this information on to the club's administration but no action was taken.[54]

In September 2002, Cousins punched teammate Daniel Kerr at the club's best and fairest award celebrations, after an argument about Kerr's relationship with Cousins' sister Melanie.[22][26] The altercation resulted in Cousins breaking his arm.[55]

In May 2005, Cousins and teammate Michael Gardiner were questioned about their acquaintance with John Kizon and Troy Mercanti, two Perth underworld figures who were allegedly involved in a stabbing and shooting at Perth's Metro City nightclub.[56] Cousins was in Melbourne at the time of the shooting, but it was claimed that he and Gardiner had received phone calls from the figures both before and after the incident at the nightclub.[28][57] Police questioned Cousins and Gardiner about the incident but they refused to co-operate.[58]

Newspaper columnists at The West Australian and talkback radio callers demanded Cousins resign his captaincy.[56] His judgment had previously been questioned by West Coast management after he and Gardiner were photographed entering Crown Casino with Kizon in 2001.[56] However, no disciplinary action was taken. Trevor Nesbitt, the team's chief executive, said:[56]

"We are prepared to give them more than one chance. In this case, it is maybe their last chance... They have had chances before, they have had opportunities before, they have made mistakes before. It gets to the point where those mistakes can't be tolerated any longer. This hurts us. It hurts our brand. It hurts our image."

Troubled years

On 12 February 2006, Cousins fled a booze bus by abandoning his Mercedes-Benz and girlfriend Samantha Druce in the middle lane of Perth's Canning Highway and running from police with a male passenger.[25] The male passenger was later caught and breath-tested, but Cousins eluded the police.[25][59] On 20 February 2006, Cousins resigned as captain of the West Coast Eagles;[25] he pled guilty to obstructing the path of another driver and obstructing a public officer in court in March 2006 and was fined A$900 plus costs.[60] He was fined an additional A$5,000 by West Coast.[61]

On 3 December 2006 Cousins was arrested for public intoxication after passing out front of Crown Casino in Melbourne and spent four hours in jail.[55] He was released without being fined or making a court appearance.[62] The West Coast Eagles later announced that the club would not discipline Cousins, stating that the media scrutiny was sufficient punishment.[63]

In early March 2007, Cousins and his girlfriend of eight years, Samantha Druce, ended their relationship.[64] On 20 March 2007 Cousins was suspended indefinitely from West Coast after failing to attend two training sessions.[27] West Coast club chairman Dalton Gooding stated at a press conference that Cousins was facing a "number of personal and professional issues" and that "Over the past few weeks those issues have come to the surface and it's time that Ben was suspended from the club to go away and try to tackle those issues head on." He also said:[27]

"We always said we would suspend players if they reoffended and Ben has reoffended by missing training, and we have been very consistent with that ... We believe he's breached his contract and acted unprofessionally and that's why he's been suspended and that's why we're giving him every opportunity to fix up his personal and private issues."

It was revealed that Cousins underwent an AFL drug test on 19 March,[65] and it was later confirmed that he had a substance abuse problem.[28] On 21 March Cousins was admitted to drug rehabilitation.[66] On 22 March, his father Bryan released a statement in a video broadcast by Network Ten:[67]

"I am making this statement today not on behalf of Ben, but as a father on behalf of his son... Ben's problem relates to substance abuse and he faces a great challenge... We acknowledge the public scrutiny that comes with the opportunities and privileges that Ben has had, but I ask now with the issues that Ben faces, that my son be given the privacy and the opportunity that he needs to deal with this problem... Ben, you are not alone with this challenge. Your family, your friends, your fans and your footy club want you to overcome this issue and win in the same manner in which you have done throughout your whole career."

Rehabilitation commences

At the end of March 2007,[26] Cousins flew to Malibu, California for rehabilitation at the Summit Center, where he stayed for four weeks.[68] Cousins returned to Perth on 30 April, with much attention from the media.[68] On 4 May, he released a televised apology, saying:[69]

"As you are aware I have been at an overseas rehabilitation centre for the past month undergoing treatment for a number of personal issues, including illness as the result of substance use... I apologise to the West Coast Eagles Football Club, sponsors, the AFL and the community for my actions... I know that in order to play football again I will have to be accepted back by the players and staff of the West Coast Eagles and the AFL and I'm willing to fulfil any obligations imposed on me. At the present time I don't know when I'll play again. My priority is to regain my health, my life and my standing."

Chris Mainwaring, a former West Coast Eagle and close friend of Cousins, died of a drug overdose on 1 October 2007.[70] Cousins received media attention for visiting Mainwaring twice on the night of his death to provide emotional support and deliver food.[71] On 16 October, Cousins was arrested in the Perth suburb of Northbridge after police pulled over his vehicle because of "the manner of his driving".[72] Cousins' vehicle was searched and he was charged with failure to comply with a police-ordered drug assessment and possession of a prohibited drug,[72] the police having found quantities of prescription drugs diazepam, Viagra, oxycodone and Caverta, and traces of ecstasy and cocaine on a $20 note in the car.[73] Cousins was sacked by West Coast the day after his arrest for serious breaches of his agreement with the club.[4][55] On 19 October Cousins's lawyer, Shane Brennan, reported that police would drop the drug-related charges against him.[55]

On 27 October Cousins flew to Los Angeles to continue his drug rehabilitation at the Summit Center.[74] The media reported that Cousins was missing and had failed to attend treatment in Malibu;[75] he was admitted to hospital several days later after an alleged cocaine binge.[76] No charges were laid by US police.[77]

In March 2010, Cousins was twice admitted to Epworth Hospital after suffering from abdominal pain and cramping. The Richmond Football Club denied reports that it had warned Cousins to curb his drinking amid fears his AFL career could be further shortened by excessive alcohol consumption.[78] On 12 April 2010, Cousins was among four Richmond players suspended by the club after a drunken escapade at the team hotel in Sydney earlier that week. While not intoxicated, the club deemed he did not act responsibly or in a manner expected of them by the club. Cousins was suspended for one week.[79] On 5 July 2010, Cousins was admitted to hospital after a "severe reaction to prescribed sleeping medication". His hospitalisation prompted debate over the use of legal stimulants such as caffeine and legal sedatives such as sleeping pills among sportspeople, with the Premier of Victoria, John Brumby, disapproving of their use.[80]

Post playing career

In May 2011, it was reported that since Cousins' departure from AFL football his life had lost direction, failing to commit to a mining job in Western Australia and struggling to find focus. His father confirmed that his son's attempt to rebuild his life had taken a "couple of bad turns" in the past three months and he was battling "troubled times".[81] In September 2011, Cousins' partner Maylea Tinecheff gave birth to their son, Bobby Ernest Cousins.

On 9 January 2012, Cousins was admitted to Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital after suffering a fall at a drug rehabilitation clinic. He slipped while getting out of a shower, striking his head on a basin and also injuring his neck. It was reported that Cousins had been experiencing continuing problems with illicit drugs, despite seeking help at several drug rehabilitation clinics, and that he had "never been clean for more than three months."[82] It was also reported that Cousins had recently undertaken an extreme drug binge which had lasted for approximately eight days.[83] Cousins was committed by doctors to a suburban mental health unit under police escort on 13 January 2012 after suffering a four-day episode of drug-induced psychosis while being treated at Sir Charles Gardiner Hospital.[83][84]

On 27 March 2012, Cousins was arrested by police at Esperance Airport, in the south of Western Australia. He was released on bail after being charged with possession of methylamphetamine with intent to sell or supply.[85]

On 17 April 2012, Cousins was arrested and charged again in Western Australia for possession of cannabis and a smoking implement.[86]

References

  1. ↑ "Player profile". Richmond Football Club. Archived from the original on 22 June 2009. Retrieved 10 May 2009. 
  2. ↑ "Cousins and Cats: so nearly". The Age (Australia). 8 May 2003. Retrieved 21 December 2008. 
  3. ↑ "Mike Sheahan’s top 50 players". Australian Football League. 6 March 2008. Retrieved 28 March 2012. 
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 "Magistrate adjourns case and allows Eagle rehab trip". The Courier-Mail. 18 October 2007. Retrieved 21 December 2008. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Cousins banned by AFL for 12 months". Real Footy. 19 November 2007. Retrieved 21 December 2008. 
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 Sweeney, Peter (25 July 1999). "Fastest gun in the west". Sunday Herald Sun. p. 13. 
  7. ↑ O'Donoghue, Craig (12 June 2004). "Bull Creek Australia's top junior club". The West Australian. p. 182. 
  8. ↑ Conn, Malcolm (11 September 1996). "Rising star wants to stay put". The Australian. p. 22. 
  9. ↑ McGrath, John (27 July 1998). "Cousins lives up to the publicity". The West Australian. p. 6. 
  10. ↑ Casellas, Pam (22 October 1998). "Ben no longer a bargain". The West Australian. p. 2. 
  11. ↑ McGrath, John (22 June 1999). "IMG has sights on Cousins". The West Australian. p. 76. 
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 "Ben Cousins: hero". The West Australian. 2 April 2002. 
  13. ↑ Davis, Michael (11 September 1999). "Captain Cousins for sure". The Australian. p. 61. 
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Coghlan, Scott (5 August 2000). "Captaincy next for Cousins". The Australian. p. 55. 
  15. ↑ "Young Eagle jumps Jako". Herald Sun. 8 February 2001. p. 98. 
  16. ↑ Connolly, Rohan (20 September 2005). "Bred to win a Brownlow". The Age (Australia). p. 2. 
  17. ↑ "Ben Cousins". The West Australian. 15 July 2005. p. 6. 
  18. ↑ Butler, Steve (3 February 2005). "Eagles stick with leadership". The West Australian. p. 63. 
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 19.3 19.4 19.5 Beacham, Digby (10 July 2005). "Top Eagle dreams of soaring higher". Sunday Herald Sun. p. 56. 
  20. ↑ Davutovic, David (17 July 2005). "Situation normal as Cousins shines". The Sunday Times (Western Australia). p. 89. 
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 21.2 21.3 Hand, Guy (19 September 2005). "AFL: Eagle Ben Cousins wins Brownlow Medal". Sports News. Australian Associated Press. 
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 22.2 Gleeson, Michael (21 September 2005). "The genuine article now wants a final victory". The Age (Australia). p. 6. 
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 Butler, Steve (22 September 2005). "Brownlow double fires merchandise madness". The West Australian. p. 9. 
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 24.2 Sheahan, Mike (1 October 2005). "The buzz on Cuz". Herald Sun. p. 40. 
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 25.2 25.3 "Charge likely over booze-bus incident". The Age (Australia). 26 February 2006. Retrieved 21 December 2008. 
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 26.2 26.3 "Ben Cousins highs and lows". Herald Sun. 16 October 2007. Retrieved 21 December 2008. 
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 27.2 "Teammates 'at war' over suspended AFL star". Fox Sports. 20 March 2007. Retrieved 21 December 2008. 
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 28.2 Heinrich, Scott (16 December 2008). "Does new Tiger Ben Cousins have what it takes to change his stripes?". Fox Sports Australia. 
  29. ↑ Wilson, Caroline (13 June 2007). "Cousins' contract row looms". Real Footy. Retrieved 21 December 2008. 
  30. ↑ "Hawks beat Magpies in a classic". The Age (Australia). 1 July 2007. Retrieved 21 December 2008. 
  31. ↑ Pierik, Jon (6 July 2007). "Cousins comeback hamstrung". Fox Sports. Retrieved 21 December 2008. 
  32. ↑ "Cousins returns, Eagles down Swans". The Age (Australia). 21 July 2007. Retrieved 21 December 2008. 
  33. ↑ "Cousins stars in Eagles comeback". ABC News (Australia). 21 July 2007. Retrieved 21 December 2008. 
  34. ↑ "Cousins slapped with 12-month ban". ABC News (Australia). 19 November 2007. Retrieved 21 December 2008. 
  35. ↑ Burgan, Matt (30 November 2008). "Cousins now officially no longer an Eagle". Australian Football League. Retrieved 21 December 2008. 
  36. ↑ Pinkney, Matt (18 November 2008). "Ben Cousins cleared by AFL Commission after drugs scandal". Herald Sun. Retrieved 21 December 2008. 
  37. ↑ "Cousins on notice over hair length". Real Footy. 20 November 2008. Retrieved 21 December 2008.  |coauthors= requires |author= (help)
  38. ↑ Rielly, Stephen (26 November 2008). "Brisbane the last hope for Ben Cousins". The Australian. Retrieved 29 December 2008. 
  39. ↑ Michelle Ainsworth & Nathan Mawby (27 August 2010). "Eddie McGuire reveals call to Christine Nixon about Ben Cousins". Herald Sun. Retrieved 28 September 2012. 
  40. ↑ "St Kilda shun Ben Cousins". The Daily Telegraph (Australia). 25 November 2008. Retrieved 29 December 2008. 
  41. ↑ "Brisbane Lions say they don't want Cousins". Real Footy. 29 November 2008. Archived from the original on 18 December 2008. Retrieved 29 December 2008. 
  42. ↑ "Watts top draft pick, Cousins ignored". The Age (Australia). 29 November 2008. Archived from the original on 6 December 2008. Retrieved 29 December 2008. 
  43. ↑ Walsh, Courtney (11 December 2008). "Richmond's risky bid for Ben Cousins". The Australian. Archived from the original on 20 December 2008. Retrieved 29 December 2008. 
  44. ↑ "League denies Tigers' rookie plans for Polak". Australian Football League. 15 December 2008. Archived from the original on 18 December 2008. Retrieved 29 December 2008. 
  45. ↑ 45.0 45.1 "Richmond backflip gives Cousins a lifeline". PerthNow. 16 December 2008. Retrieved 29 December 2008.  |coauthors= requires |author= (help)
  46. ↑ Firkin, Katherine (17 December 2008). "Ben Cousins expresses his gratitude to Richmond". Herald Sun. Archived from the original on 20 December 2008. Retrieved 29 December 2008. 
  47. ↑ Sheridan, Nick (28 March 2009). "Cousins, Raines out for month". Real Footy. Archived from the original on 31 March 2009. Retrieved 10 May 2009. 
  48. ↑ Cousins, Ben (9 May 2009). "I thought someone might clock me: Ben Cousins". Herald Sun. Archived from the original on 11 May 2009. Retrieved 10 May 2009. 
  49. ↑ McFarlane, Glenn (10 May 2009). "Willing Ben Cousins shines". Herald Sun. Archived from the original on 14 May 2009. Retrieved 10 May 2009. 
  50. ↑ Sheahan, Sheahan (21 August 2010). "Hard road for Ben Cousins". The Herald Sun. Retrieved 21 August 2010. 
  51. ↑ "Ben Cousins statistics". AFL Tables. Retrieved 5 September 2010. 
  52. ↑ Bower, Amanda (25 June 1997). "Cousins helps tackle asthma". The West Australian. p. 42. 
  53. ↑ Duffield, Mark (5 July 1999). "Restaurant scare for Eagles star". The West Australian. p. 5. 
  54. ↑ Robinson, Mark (20 October 2007). "West Coast Eagles warned of Ben Cousins' ways in 2001". The Advertiser (Adelaide). Retrieved 21 December 2008. 
  55. ↑ 55.0 55.1 55.2 55.3 "Ben Cousins: Rise and fall". ABC News (Australia). 17 October 2007. Archived from the original on 31 March 2010. Retrieved 1 April 2010. 
  56. ↑ 56.0 56.1 56.2 56.3 Le Grand, Chip (6 May 2005). "Eagle pair ordered: sever ties with crims". The Australian. p. 27. 
  57. ↑ "Eagles put Cousins and Gardiner on notice". ABC News (Australia). 6 May 2005. Retrieved 1 April 2010. 
  58. ↑ Robinson, Mark (19 October 2007). "West Coast Eagles warned of Ben Cousins' ways in 2001". The Advertiser (Adelaide). Retrieved 28 March 2012. 
  59. ↑ "Cousins admits fleeing abandoned car". ABC News (Australia). 17 February 2006. Retrieved 21 December 2008. 
  60. ↑ "Cousins fined over booze bus bolt". The Sydney Morning Herald. 21 March 2006. Retrieved 21 December 2008. 
  61. ↑ Brodie, Will (17 December 2008). "Cousins and controversy". Real Footy. Archived from the original on 20 December 2008. Retrieved 21 December 2008. 
  62. ↑ Edmund, S; Dowsley, A. (4 December 2006). "Cousins' night ends in jail". Herald Sun. Retrieved 21 December 2008. 
  63. ↑ "Champion's Rise And Fall". The West Australian. 21 March 2007. pp. 8–9. 
  64. ↑ Morrissey, Tim (22 March 2007). "Lost love pushed Ben over edge". Fox Sports (Australia). Retrieved 21 December 2008. 
  65. ↑ Knight, Ben (23 March 2007). "Cousins sacking highlights AFL drug suspicions" (transcript). The 7.30 Report. Archived from the original on 20 October 2007. Retrieved 17 October 2007. 
  66. ↑ "Ben Cousins admitted to rehab". Herald Sun. 22 March 2007. Archived from the original on 1 December 2008. Retrieved 21 December 2008.  |coauthors= requires |author= (help)
  67. ↑ "Dad confirms Cousins' drug problem". The Sydney Morning Herald. 23 March 2007. Retrieved 21 December 2008.  |coauthors= requires |author= (help)
  68. ↑ 68.0 68.1 "Good to be home, says Cousins". The Age (Australia). 30 April 2007. Retrieved 21 December 2008. 
  69. ↑ "Ben Cousins' full statement". Fox Sports. 4 May 2007. Retrieved 21 December 2008. 
  70. ↑ "Mainwaring died of drug cocktail: report". NineMSN. 17 October 2007. Retrieved 21 December 2008. 
  71. ↑ "Cousins rushed to friend". The Age (Australia). 2 October 2007. Retrieved 21 December 2008.  |coauthors= requires |author= (help)
  72. ↑ 72.0 72.1 "Ben Cousins charged with drug possession". The Age. 16 October 2007. Retrieved 28 September 2012. 
  73. ↑ Fife-Yeomans, Janet (20 October 2007). "Chemical cocktail but Ben Cousins charge axed". The Daily Telegraph (Australia). Retrieved 21 December 2008. 
  74. ↑ "Ben Cousins touches down in Malibu for rehab". PerthNow. 28 October 2007. Retrieved 21 December 2008. 
  75. ↑ "Ben in rehab, says dad". Real Footy. 1 November 2007. Retrieved 21 December 2008. 
  76. ↑ Edwards, Michael (10 November 2007). "Cousins makes headlines after alleged cocaine binge" (transcript). AM (ABC Radio) (Australia). Retrieved 21 December 2008. 
  77. ↑ "US cops: no charges against Cousins". ABC News (Australia). 20 November 2007. Retrieved 21 December 2008. 
  78. ↑ Spits, Scott (16 March 2010). "Ben Cousins discharged from hospital, awaits test results". Real Footy. Archived from the original on 22 March 2010. Retrieved 4 April 2010. 
  79. ↑ Conn, Malcolm (12 April 2010). "Richmond suspends quartet after drunken Sydney escapade". The Australian. Retrieved 12 April 2010. 
  80. ↑ "Cousins wants drug test to prove he's clean". ABC News (Australia). 6 July 2010. Archived from the original on 9 July 2010. Retrieved 6 July 2010. 
  81. ↑ "Ben Cousins and partner Maylea Tinecheff are expecting a baby". Sunday Herald Sun. 29 May 2011. Retrieved 14 January 2012. 
  82. ↑ "Experts say Ben Cousins could have brain injury". PerthNow. 12 January 2011. Retrieved 13 January 2011. 
  83. ↑ 83.0 83.1 Parker, Gareth; Duffield, Mark (14–15 January 2011). "Cousins in psychiatric unit". The West Australian. p. 9. 
  84. ↑ "Ben Cousins reportedly in mental health unit". PerthNow. 14 January 2011. Retrieved 14 January 2011. 
  85. ↑ Butler, Mark (28 March 2012). "Ben Cousins arrested on drug charges". Herald Sun. Retrieved 28 March 2012. 
  86. ↑ "Ben Cousins charged with cannabis possession". Fairfax WA Today. 17 April 2012. Retrieved 17 April 2012. 

External links

Sporting positions
Preceded by
Guy McKenna		 West Coast Eagles captain
2001–2006 		Succeeded by
Chris Judd
Awards
Preceded by
Nick Holland		 AFL Rising Star
1996 		Succeeded by
Michael Wilson
Preceded by
Glen Jakovich		 West Coast Eagles Club Champion Award
2001–2003 		Succeeded by
Chris Judd
Preceded by
Chris Judd		 Brownlow Medal
2005 		Succeeded by
Adam Goodes
Preceded by
Nick Riewoldt		 Leigh Matthews Trophy
2005 		Succeeded by
Chris Judd
Preceded by
Chris Judd		 West Coast Eagles Club Champion Award
2005 		Succeeded by
Chris Judd
Preceded by
Ryan Bayley		 Western Australian Sports Star of the Year
2005 		Succeeded by
Paul Burgess
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