Ben Cousins: West Coast Eagles great to return to footy field in Legends Game

Chris Robinson
The West Australian
Fremantle Dockers overcome early deficit to defeat Carlton by 27 points in an AFL match at Optus Stadium. However, the Dockers face concerns over the fitness of midfielder Hayden Young, who was subbed out with a groin issue, while Carlton's Harry O'F

Ben Cousins is the latest West Coast great to commit to this month’s Legends Game, with the Brownlow medallist set to lace up the boots 15 years to the week since retiring.

Cousins will take to Marvel Stadium for the August 28 clash, joining a host of big names in the return of the charity match for the first time since 2019.

The Eagles premiership star revealed playing alongside Hawthorn great Cyril Rioli for the All Stars was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up.

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“I think it might be time to dust them off,” he told Mix94.5.

“One game. I can get myself up for one so that should be a bit of fun.

“I only decided (to play) over the weekend. But for me the chance to play alongside Cyril, I’m excited about that.

“He was just such a great player. To see him run around and kick the footy is exciting.”

The six-time All-Australian will partner 2006 premiership teammate Andrew Embley, while fellow Eagles favourite Luke Shuey is locked in to pull on the big V for the Victorian outfit.

The Game AFLW 2025

Former West Coast Eagles player Ben Cousins plays in the Second Generation Academy curtain raiser last year.
Former West Coast Eagles player Ben Cousins plays in the Second Generation Academy curtain raiser last year. Credit: James Worsfold/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

“I’m looking forward to it. I want to play a role,” Cousins said.

“Shane Crawford is the coach and Nick Riewoldt is the captain, a mate of mine.”

The game - to be screened on Seven - will raise funds for the Australian Prostate Centre and honours the legacy of football legend EJ Whitten, who passed away from prostate cancer in 1995.

The likes of Rioli, Gary Ablett Jr, Luke Hodge and Riewoldt are all set to feature in the clash, with Crawford and Tim Watson filling coaching roles.

The 47-year-old’s fitness will be a watch in the weeks leading up to the clash with Cousins revealing he was still on light duties after a hernia.

“I’m only just getting over my hernia,” he said.

“It’s like riding a bike, right? How hard can it be?”

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