AFL legend Ben Cousins reflects on new spotlight with South West community

Football legends Ben Cousins and Paul Hasleby shared stories with a South West crowd about their time within the AFL and what they have been up to since during a visit last week.

Former West Coast Eagle and Brownlow medallist Cousins returned to Bunbury to talk about his time off the footy field and about his new public role coming out of tumultuous times to since feature on Dancing with the Stars, in the WAFL and in The West Australian.

Cousins revealed to former Docker Hasleby he would not rule out continued involvement with football in the future, now being involved at a community level for his own children and other sporting fans.

“I currently help out with my young bloke’s footy team, and I’m always involved with what my daughter’s doing, and I’m down at the Perth club one night a week,” he said.

“So even now, I’m quite busy with that and enjoying that and I’m sure I’ll continue to do that.

“Whether it’s football or other sports — you know my daughter’s basketball or whatever — I love being involved and get a lot of enjoyment from it.”

Cousins said he “absolutely loved” his recent stint on Dancing with the Stars.

“I couldn’t have enjoyed myself any more,” he said.

“It was so hard in many ways, and the performance side of it was something that didn’t come naturally to me.

“I was really nervous because it was hard. I think it was good for me.”

He was also “loving” his media work with Channel 7, but admitted it took him some time to feel worthy of the opportunities which have come his way.

“To keep abreast of what’s happening in that field (football) for a living is a privilege,” Cousins said.

“It was a bit to come to terms with early on — coming from as far back as I was, feeling like I belonged or was worthy of a position and opportunity took some time.

“Seven were fantastic in helping me and going out of their way to fast-track my development and making me feel welcome, and with time, I felt more at ease as that’s gone on, and I’m enjoying it more and more.”

While one major fan was not able to make the Highway Hotel event, they had a letter hand-delivered to Cousins, who took the time to read it on the night.

Bunbury fan Stefan Zwickl’s letter was passed on by a Highway Hotel team member, who shared a photo of Mr Zwickl’s late wife Judith who was a die-hard fan and club member.