'Harder than it looks': AFL legend Ben Cousins lands new TV job

Ben Cousins has continued to turn his life around and will now read the morning sports bulletin on Channel 7 in Perth.

The West Coast legend debuted on Monday and continues his rehabilitation from widely reported drug addiction that saw his life spiral out of control.

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Cousins has featured in a weekly segment on 7 News since July last year.

The segment, presented by Perth sports reporter Adrian Barich, features Cousins providing expert analysis in discussing the big talking points from the round of football coming up.

Seven initially chose not to promote Cousins’ move into TV at the time but the 2005 Brownlow medallist impressed many fans with his work in front of the camera.

And it’s now turned into a new, expanded role.

Ben Cousins is looking better than ever. Photo: Channel 7Source: Channel 7

Cousins will front the bulletin for three days a week and continue his regular segment with Barich.

“It’s been fun. A journey, but I’m learning every day,” Cousins said.

“I can tell you, as the words scroll through, it’s harder than it looks.”

The move has reportedly been months in the making and the 44-year-old footy great has impressed his colleagues.

Seven Perth news director Ray Kuka said Cousins had transferred the natural abilities that made him a footy star into the newsroom.

“You can see why Cousins was a footy star. He’s of course got natural ability, but his work ethic is incredibly impressive,” Kuka said.

“His ability to focus, apply and strive for the best is a credit to him.

“It, of course, doesn’t hurt that the camera loves him.”

It’s another positive move in the life of the former AFL superstar as he continues to rebuild his life.

A decade since walking away from the AFL, it was reported Cousins was signing up for a part-time coaching role at the Perth Demons with the club’s under-19s colts team.

Cousins had a troubled end to his football career, resigning his captaincy at West Coast in 2006 after fleeing an RBT before it was revealed he had a substance abuse problem.

Cousins spent time in rehab in the same year before he was arrested for drug possession the following year.

He was delisted and banned from the AFL for 12 months, ending his time at West Coast after a Brownlow Medal in 2005, the 2006 premiership, six All-Australian selections and 238 games.

Ben Cousins returned to the Eagles for the legends exhibition match in March. Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

In 2009, Cousins did return to the AFL, playing the final two seasons of his career at Richmond.

After his career, Cousins’ life spiralled out of control, leading to a public battle with drugs and legal issues, including serving a 12-month prison sentence in 2017 for stalking the mother of his children Maylea Tinecheff.

But in more recent times, Cousins appeared fit and healthy. He has also been open about his recovery from drug addiction.

Cousins also returned to the Eagles for the first time in 16 years in March, playing in an exhibition legend’s game at Optus Stadium before the Eagles’ clash with GWS in round two.

Richmond also welcomed him to a training session before their recent game against Fremantle.