West Coast great Ben Cousins has made a heart-warming return to the Brownlow Medal count in Melbourne.
Cousins, 45, was all smiles as he hit the red carpet at Crown in Melbourne as he continues his comeback from a troubled past.
The winner of the medal in 2005, Cousins hit the red carpet alongside his sister Mel in a stunning white dress.
Cousins last attended the Brownlow Medal count in 2021 when it was in Perth, but this marks a significant return for the 270-game AFL star.
“I’ve been to plenty (of Brownlow Medal counts) but not heaps in recent years,” Cousins told SEN from the red carpet.
“The odd one that I have I have really enjoyed. This is a great industry night. I haven’t been to Melbourne for it for a long time.
“I was at the count in Perth a couple of years ago and have been meaning to get over, it is something I intend to do regularly.”
Cousins backed Collingwood young gun Nick Daicos to be pipped by Western Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli.
“Both of those guys will be worthy winners,” Cousins said.
“I haven’t seen someone do what Daicos has done in his second year, I think he’s been quite amazing.
“I think something like this wouldn’t be taking too much of his focus, he has bigger fish to fry later in the week.
“I think it’s one of those nights where regardless of the year that you’ve had you come here with little expectation because you can have an outstanding year but you need a fair bit of luck too.”
Meanwhile, Cousins preached patience from Eagles fans as they look to rebuild from their three-win season.
“There’s still a heap of heavy lifting still to go. We’ve had a pretty amazing history in the time that the footy club has been around, supporters have had a really good run but they are going to need to be patient because it is going to take time,” he said.
“I think the only way out is through the draft and I think last year they really started something but they’re going to need to with the decisions they’ve got from here on forward they need to get them right.
“But they have shown in the past that they can go to the draft and develop players.”
Cousins also revealed he was going in for a shoulder operation as he looks to return to the surfboard.