Ben Cousins has always known how to move. But has never known how to really dance.
Unlocking defences? Not a problem. Unlocking the hips? Not a clue.
And so, when he was asked if he would consider swapping his old boots for some new shiny shoes — for a stint on the latest season of Dancing With the Stars — he took a moment.
“It’s one of those — be careful what you wish for. No background in dancing whatsoever,” the former AFL great admitted.
“The idea of … it’d be nice to maybe learn how to dance. But I have never followed through with any conviction at any stage — for even one lesson.”
Until now.
After taking that moment Cousins, now 45, decided to take the plunge.
The former West Coast and Richmond midfielder will be part of Seven’s flagship entertainment show when it airs later this year.
And he has already spent weeks immersed in a crash course in cha-cha, the fundamentals of foxtrot, and the rudiments of rumba.
A world so far away from what his life has been up until now.
“It’s good timing I suppose, in a position to probably take on some new challenges and in a good space,” Cousins told The Sunday Times this week.
“I’m not exactly sure what I’m going to get out of it. But I think it will surprise me. And I have enjoyed it up until now — but it has been hard.
“So there’s certainly no time to lose momentum … or let life get in the way.”
Ben Cousins’ life has — at times — certainly got in the way.
His descent from the Prince of Perth to a prison cell has filled countless column inches, documentaries, books — even a rock opera.
But for more than a year at 7NEWS Perth, he has been on camera. Reading morning bulletins, providing football analysis, conducting interviews — learning, working. And smiling.
That famous grin got him into — and out of — much trouble over the journey.
The new job has put Cousins back in front of the Perth public, who have seemingly always rooted for him, even in his darkest days.
And those who have worked closely with the Brownlow medallist have been staggered by his dedication, his willingness to listen and his ability to learn.
“Another steep learning curve. Another situation definitely out of my comfort zone,” Cousins said.
“Just being exposed to that has been a good experience. It hasn’t been easy. It’s work in progress.”
As is the man.
Cousins is clean, he is present with his family, he looks, well — like Ben Cousins. He has a life back.
“I can’t change what’s happened in the past, but … just try now to not let what’s happened affect the opportunity I’ve got to make the most of today,” Cousins said.
“I am mindful of where I’ve come from.
“And I think — for that reason — appreciate the things that have come into my life today.
“I’m really enjoying what I’m doing. I’ve got some ambition back and … busy. But wouldn’t change that for the world.”
Coming off a recent bicep surgery, the timing of the offer to become part of DWTS’ class of 2024 was timely.
“I was looking to sort of throw myself into a fitness campaign to get in some good shape,” Cousins said.
“In its own way this is something different — a different way of approaching getting fit. Using all these different muscles, and it’s just a totally different way of moving.
“Muscles that I didn’t really know existed to be honest.
“I am starting at the bottom, and even now having made a fair bit of progress on a couple of the dances, you still realise that there’s still a long way to go.”
Cousins’ partner in this series will be Siobhan Power, whose previous partners on the show have included rugby league star Kris Smith, former West Indies cricket great Curtly Ambrose and TV favourite Jamie Durie.
He says she may have her work cut out.
Insiders say Cousins is already working silly hours in the dance studio.
“I have a real healthy respect for people that do (dance) well, and I am fortunate — I’ve got a great partner in this, who is an amazing dancer, and a really good teacher,” Cousins said.
Learning the dances, and preparing for the spotlight. On and off the dancefloor. The Eagles premiership superstar has already lived a life in the limelight. Now he has voluntarily put himself back on the national stage.
And he feels ready.
“It hovers over me — and probably doesn’t allow me to get too caught up in enjoying the moment. No matter what I’m doing, because I sort of know that is hanging over my head a bit,” Cousins said.
“It’s not the first time I’m going to be exposed to having to overcome the nerves side of things … that is going to be a challenge.
“The whole thing will be interesting to see how, hopefully, it continues to piece together.
“So try not to look too far ahead … because that’s when it starts to get a bit a bit hairy.”
Cousins is the first star confirmed for this year’s DWTS, which producers are promising will see the most unexpected celebrities ever take to the dancefloor.
There will be a shake-up on the judging panel, with Todd McKenney confirming on his social media accounts he won’t be returning, due to his stage show with Shane Jacobson.
And Dr Chris Brown will be the new host, alongside Australia’s favourite Sonia Kruger.
“I can’t wait to see Chris covered in fake tan, poured into a Lycra pant then watch him cha-cha across the DWTS floor in a Cuban heel high on the fumes of hairspray,” she said.
“Having Chris by my side means more fun, more frivolity and more medical attention on hand, just in case one of our celebs needs emergency worming.”