Ben Cousins kicks off new career 'journey' as 7NEWS Perth ...

Ben Cousins has kicked off his new career ‘journey’ as a 7NEWS Perth sport presenter.

The AFL premiership player has been seen on WA television screens as a footy expert in recent years, talking about the sport he knows best.

WATCH IN THE VIDEO ABOVE: Ben Cousins makes his debut on 7NEWS desk.

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But the 44-year-old will now present news from around the country and the world three days a week in Perth’s morning bulletins.

The Brownlow medallist spent months preparing for the role before stepping into the hot seat.

“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.”

Ben Cousins reads the 7NEWS Perth morning sport bulletin. Credit: 7NEWS

Cousins has slowly pieced his life back together after a long and public battle with a drug addiction that started during his career.

He was welcomed back into the AFL fold with an appearance at Brownlow Medal night when it was hosted by Perth in 2021.

This year, he took on a coaching role at the WAFL club where his father became a football great.

Cousins joined the Perth Demons in a part-time position working with their under-19 colts team.

In March, he pulled on West Coast colours for the first time since 2007 in a Legends clash that took place before an Eagles game at Optus Stadium.

It had been 5679 days since he last played for the club.

He took the field alongside former teammates Darren Glass and Drew Banfield, while his nine-year-old daughter, 11-year-old son and 17-year-old step-son also made cameos.

Earlier this year Cousins played in Eagles colours for the first time since 2007 Credit: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“It’s good to see some old familiar faces and have a kick and see all the kids enjoy themselves,” Cousins told the West Australian after the game.

“It’s the first opportunity I’ve had to have a kick on Optus Stadium and it’s magic.

“(West Coast) was such a big part of my life and at certain times I have been a little bit removed, (but) it has always held a special place in my heart.

“It’s fantastic to be back in the fold with some of the guys I played with.”

The 44-year-old has taken steps back into football in recent years. Credit: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Cousins opened up on his path back to health in November last year.

“It just gets back to being happy and for a long time,” he said.

“I hadn’t been, and I had those fleeting moments where I thought I was kidding myself just to try and get by.

“It’s been a big struggle but today I sit here and it’s not in any way about the things I’ve given up or had to give up or sacrifice, it’s all about things I can give back.”

The star midfielder’s fall from grace starting with losing the West Coast captaincy at the end of the Eagles’ 2006 premiership year, and has played out unceremoniously in the public eye well beyond his sacking from Richmond at the end of 2010.

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