Ben Cousins might find himself fielding AFL contract offers from battlers like St Kilda if he is not careful, after his latest Instagram post showed the former West Coast star looking shredded while taking a break with his children.
Cousins’ battles with addiction have been well documented since they became public in 2007 after a series of off-field incidents, including arrests and suspensions.
He was suspended from the AFL in 2007 and returned in 2009 to play two seasons with Richmond before retiring.
Cousins faced numerous legal issues between 2010 and 2019, including drug possession, breaching restraining orders, and stalking, which led to multiple jail sentences.
He was last jailed in 2019 but had all outstanding charges cleared by the end of that year.
Since then, Cousins’ fight against drug addiction has seen him make a comeback that has completely turned his life around.
Ben Cousins recently enjoyed a very active holiday in the Kimberley region of Western Australia with his two children, Angelique and Bobby
Cousins shared a series of active, wholesome moments with his kids across WA’s north
The former West Coast Eagles star has come a long way since his days of drug addiction and now has a new lease on life
While the 47-year-old tends to keep his private life out of the spotlight these days, he recently shared happy snaps from a visit to the north of Western Australia on holiday with his young family.
Cousins travelled to Kimberley Sands Resort in Broome with his two children Angelique, 11, and Bobby, 13, from his previous relationship with their mother Maya.
Cousins was also joined on a cruise by a host of other A-list Australian celebrities, including radio presenter Fifi Box, former host of The Project Carrie Bickmore, and former West Coast Eagles teammate Chris Judd and his wife Bec Judd.
‘Holidays up North… even better than I remembered,’ he posted.
‘Great stay Kimberley Sands Resort, already planning a trip back.’
While many footy fans remember the sad and alarming images of an emaciated and bearded Cousins during his addiction battle, he looked a picture of health on his family holiday.
With a ripped physique that would put many current players to shame, he engaged in a series of wholesome activities with his children including fishing, swimming, and a helicopter ride across the WA terrain.
Cousins has previously been busy with his media duties and appearance on Dancing With The Stars.
The former Brownlow medallist poses in Broome alongside other Aussie celebrities, including Chris Judd (far left), Carrie Bickmore and Fifi Box
Cousins shows off the result of a fishing trip on his recent holiday
Normally a very private person, Cousins was happy to pose and smile for photos on his journey with his son and daughter
‘Benny, you’re a f***ing legend brother,’ one commented.
‘Every single person in Australia is happy to see you up and about my brother. You are a true inspiration and a true Aussie.
‘Congratulations on the new life and enjoy every second.’
‘So proud of you Ben, every time I see your smiling face it is just lit up with joy,’ another posted.
‘Love seeing you happy and love listening to you every morning on the radio – this is what we always dreamed of for you. Looks like an awesome trip.’
Since turning his life around, Ben Cousins has taken significant steps to rebuild both his career and reputation.
He returned to football in a community role with the West Coast Eagles, helping promote youth development and engagement.
Later, he began coaching the Perth Demons’ under-19 colts team, contributing to the next generation of local players.
Cousins has also re-entered the media, taking on roles as a football analyst and more recently as a co-host on a Perth breakfast radio show.
He now regularly appears at community events and shares his story to inspire others facing addiction and personal setbacks.
