Ben Cousins, the accomplished Australian rules footballer, has etched his name in the annals of the sport. Having showcased his exceptional skills and unwavering determination, Cousins graced the ranks of both the West Coast and Richmond teams in the revered Australian Football League (AFL). The indelible mark he left on the game led esteemed journalist Mike Sheahan to honor him with a distinguished accolade, recognizing him as one of the fifty greatest players in the history of Australian rules football.
Bio/Wiki
Age-44years
Height- 1.79 m
Weight-78 kg
Nickname- Cuz, Prince of Perth
Full name-Benjamin Luke Cousins
Born- 30 June 1978
Birthplace-Geelong, Australia
Profession-Footballer
Spouse- Maylea Elizabeth Tinecheff
Nationality- Australian
Dates joined- 2009 (Richmond Football Club), 1996 (West Coast Eagles)
Family
Cousins, born in 1978, hails from Geelong, Victoria. His parents, Stephanie, and Bryan welcomed him into the world in this vibrant Australian city. Bryan, an Australian rule footballer originally from Western Australia, had relocated to Geelong to pursue his career in the sport.
Wife
Ms. Tinecheff had been involved in a romantic relationship with Cousins, aged 42, spanning from 2008 to 2013. However, due to their shared parenthood of two children, aged seven and nine, they maintained contact even after their romantic involvement ended.
During their post-relationship interactions, Ms. Tinecheff described their dynamic as fluctuating between periods of stability and strained moments. She expressed that at times, their interactions were satisfactory, while on other occasions, they were far from pleasant.
According to Ms. Tinecheff, she observed a significant decline in Ben’s behavior and mental well-being during this period. His overall mental state seemed to have deteriorated considerably over time, causing concerns and affecting their interactions.
Children
Cousins’ daughter Angelique, at the age of 9, along with her brother Bobby, who is 11, and their stepbrother Alex, who is 17.
Career
During the period of 1996-1997, Ben Cousins, a young and promising Australian Rules football player, experienced a rise in his career and popularity. At the age of 17, Cousins made his AFL debut for the West Coast Eagles and immediately showcased his talent by kicking two goals against Geelong. His impressive performance earned him the Norwich Rising Star award for the 1996 season, where he narrowly defeated Shannon Grant.
As Cousins continued to excel in subsequent seasons, his popularity grew. In 1998, a prominent newspaper, the Herald Sun, published a two-page article titled “West goes wild for the kid,” portraying Cousins as a football sensation and even comparing him to Brad Pitt.
Recognizing his marketability, sports agent Ricky Nixon approached Cousins in 1998 to manage his endorsement deals. Cousins’ good looks, decision to stay in Perth rather than move to Victoria, and his potential as a future leader made him an attractive figure for commercial opportunities.
Cousins’ popularity extended beyond the football field, with fans, sponsors, and the community showing great interest in him. He became highly sought-after, with kids seeking autographs and photographs, and sponsors wanting him to endorse their products.
During the period of 1997-2000, Cousins achieved notable milestones in his career. In 1998, he earned selection in the All-Australian Team and finished as the runner-up in West Coast Eagles’ Best and Fairest award. The following year, he played in his first AFL finals game and represented Australia in the International Rules Series. In 2000, Cousins signed a lucrative three-year contract with West Coast Eagles.
From 2000 to 2003, Cousins further solidified his status as a key player for West Coast Eagles. He reached his 100th game and began considering the possibility of taking on a leadership role within the team. In 2001, Cousins became a co-captain alongside Dean Kemp. He displayed exceptional skills and leadership qualities, winning the club’s Best and Fairest award in 2001, 2002, and 2003. Additionally, he was selected in the All-Australian Team for consecutive years.
In 2003 and 2004, Cousins faced challenges with injuries but continued to excel individually.
The years 2004 to 2006 proved to be significant for Cousins. In 2005, he celebrated his 200th game, receiving a warm reception from fans and being recognized as a highly regarded sports figure in Western Australia.
However, in early 2006, Cousins faced controversy when he resigned as captain after an off-field incident involving a booze bus. He later signed a new contract with the West Coast Eagles.
Legal Issues
In May 2011, it was reported that after Cousins’ departure from AFL football, his life took a downward spiral. He struggled to find direction, failing to commit to a mining job in Western Australia. His father confirmed that he had encountered a series of difficulties in the preceding three months, facing troubled times. In September 2011, Cousins’ partner Maylea Elizabeth Tinecheff gave birth to their first child, a son named Bobby Ernest Cousins.
On 9 January 2012, Cousins was admitted to Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital following a fall at a drug rehabilitation clinic. He slipped in the shower, hitting his head on a basin and injuring his neck. It was revealed that Cousins had been grappling with ongoing issues related to illicit drugs, despite seeking help from multiple rehabilitation clinics. Reports indicated that he had never managed to stay clean for more than three months. Additionally, it was disclosed that he had recently engaged in an intense eight-day drug binge. On 13 January 2012, doctors committed Cousins to a suburban mental health.
Unit under police escort after he experienced a four-day episode of drug-induced psychosis during his treatment at Sir Charles Gardiner Hospital.
27 March 2012, Cousins was arrested by the police at Esperance Airport in Western Australia’s southern region on suspicion of drug possession. During a strip search, methyl amphetamine was discovered concealed in his anus. The initial charge of intending to sell or supply drugs was later reduced to simple possession, to which Cousins pleaded guilty and was fined $800. On 17 April 2012, Cousins was arrested once again in Western Australia, this time for possessing cannabis and a smoking implement.
11 March 2015, Cousins was apprehended in the Perth suburb of Bicton after leading the police on a slow-speed car chase, claiming he couldn’t stop due to a family emergency. Four days later, it was reported that he had been admitted to a mental health facility after being found inside the Special Air Service’s Campbell Barracks in Swanbourne. Cousins was arrested for the third time in two weeks after attempting to evade the police in Canning Vale following a “bizarre incident” outside a Sikh temple.
In June 2016, police intervened when Cousins tried to direct traffic on Perth’s Canning Highway. Witnesses described him as being disoriented, confused, and making no coherent sense. He was subsequently taken to Fiona Stanley Hospital.
In November 2016, Cousins failed to appear in court on charges of breaching a violence restraining order and possessing methamphetamine. A bench warrant was issued for his arrest. Around 1:30 am the next day, while under the influence of methamphetamine, he crashed his car head-on into a truck in High Wycombe. Cousins sustained minor injuries and was transported to Royal Perth Hospital under police custody.
Achievement/Awards
- AFL premiership player: 2006.
- Brownlow Medal: 2005.
- Leigh Matthews Trophy: 2005.
- 6x All-Australian team: 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2006.
- AFL Rising Star: 1996.
- Goal of the Year: 1999.
- International Rules Series: 1999.
Net Worth 2023
As of June 1, 2023, Ben Cousins’s net worth is $5 Million.
Latest News About Ben Cousins
Ben Cousins Debuts As 7NEWS Perth Sport Presenter
Ben Cousins, the West Coast legend, has made remarkable progress in turning his life around and has taken on a new role as the morning sports bulletin presenter on Channel 7 in Perth. Overcoming widely reported drug addiction issues that led to a tumultuous period in his life, Cousins debuted on Monday and continues his rehabilitation journey.
Since July of last year, Cousins has been featuring in a weekly segment on 7 News, where he provides expert analysis and discusses the major talking points in upcoming football rounds. The segment, initially presented by Perth sports reporter Adrian Barich, received positive feedback from viewers, impressing many with Cousins’ on-screen performance.
While Seven initially chose not to publicize Cousins’ transition into television, his exceptional work in front of the camera has earned him an expanded role. He will now present the morning sports bulletin three days a week and continue his regular segment with Barich.
Reflecting on his new venture, Cousins expressed enthusiasm, stating, “It’s been fun. A journey, but I’m learning every day. I can tell you, as the words scroll through, it’s harder than it looks.”
The decision for Cousins to join the newsroom has been in the works for several months, and the 44-year-old football great has made a positive impression on his colleagues. Ray Kuka, the news director for Seven Perth, acknowledged Cousins’ seamless transition, noting that he has successfully applied the natural abilities that made him a footy star to his work in the newsroom.