Troubled AFL legend Ben Cousins appeared in great spirits on Saturday as he made a grand return to captain a team of players at a charity football match in Perth.
The 43-year-old - who has battled drug addiction and various legal issues in the past - was in his element as he was applauded by fans, who watched him lead the Crusaders against ex-Brisbane player Des Headland's Spartans.
Although his team didn't walk away with a win, the momentous occasion marked the first time Cousins has walked out as a captain since the AFL Grand Final in 2005 with the West Coast Eagles.
In his element: Troubled AFL legend Ben Cousins appeared in great spirits on Saturday as he made a grand return to captain a team of players at a charity football match in Perth
Saturday's charity match at the Leederville Oval was to support Footy For Life, which raises funds for The Happiness Co Foundation and Lifeline WA.
Cousins' teammate Tim Brayshaw posted a touching tribute to the athlete post-match.
'There is no better way to portray the concept of Footy For Life, than through the character and resilience of the man who has soared at the highest of highs and lowest of lows,' he wrote.
'You should be incredibly proud of yourself Benny Cousins. No matter what the critics may say, it is the man in the arena that matters most.'
For a good cause: Saturday's charity match at the Leederville Oval was to support Footy For Life, which raises funds for The Happiness Co Foundation and Lifeline WA
Grand return: The 43-year-old - who has battled drug addiction and various legal issues in the past - looked to be in his element as he was met with huge cheers from fans, who came to watch him lead the Crusaders against ex-Brisbane player Des Headland's Spartans
Impressive: Although his team didn't walk away with a win, the momentous occasion marked the first time Cousins has walked out as a captain since the AFL Grand Final in 2005 with the West Coast Eagles
Dan Hedland's Spartans won 157 - 125 over the Crusaders.
Brayshaw added: 'Sometimes you get the opportunity to fly with some Eagles.
'Although we didn’t sneak away with the win, there were much more important wins at play, and the kind that can’t be measured on the footy field.
Top shape: Cousins - who is now working as a demolition tradie - looked in fine form on the day, showing off his muscular physique in his red-and-white uniform
Beaming: After the match, the legendary star was seen taking photos with a fan in a locker room
'To be raising awareness for Mental health and Suicide Prevention through a game of footy is phenomenal.. to have all the donations going to Happiness Co Foundation & Lifeline WA will benefit so many Western Australian lives.'
Cousins - who is now working as a demolition tradie - looked in fine form on the day, showing off his muscular physique in his red-and-white uniform.
The ripped star couldn't wipe the smile off his face as he chatted with his teammates before posing with fans after the match came to an end.
Loss: Dan Hedland's Spartans won 157 - 125 over the Crusaders
Epic: Cousins' teammate Tim Brayshaw posted a tribute to the sporting legend post-match, writing: 'There is no better way to portray the concept of Footy for life, than through the character and resilience of the man who has soared at the highest of highs and lowest of lows'
'You should be incredibly proud of yourself Benny Cousins. No matter what the critics may say, it is the man in the arena that matters most,' Tim added
At his peak, Cousins was undoubtedly the best player in the AFL, but suffered a rapid demise and subsequent total unwillingness to rid himself of negative life influences.
In 2020, he decided to turn his life around after being jailed for the sixth time in 13 years.
The former West Coast Eagles captain was convicted on November 4, 2020 and sentenced to seven months jail for stalking his former partner Maylea Tinecheff.
Happy: The ripped sports star couldn't wipe the grin off his face as he stood alongside his teammates
Ripped: Cousins is now working as a demolition tradie as he continues to turn his life around
Training: Cousins looked fighting fit during a training session for the charity event earlier this month
Ripped: At his peak, Cousins was undoubtedly the best player in the AFL, but suffered a rapid demise and subsequent total unwillingness to rid himself of negative life influences. Pictured in February 2006
He was released just two weeks later from Hakea Jail in Perth due to time already served.
Buoyed by the knowledge that getting clean and healthy was the key to being a good dad to his children, son Bobby, nine, and daughter Angelique, seven, he soon started talking to Susan Backshell, a mental health support worker.
She issued him a blunt ultimatum soon after they met: 'Give your all, or forget it entirely.'
