Ben Cousins, 43, looks happy and healthy as he captains a charity match in Perth

Troubled AFL legend Ben Cousins appeared in great spirits on Saturday, as he made a grand return to captain a team of players at a charity football match in Perth.

The 43-year-old – who has battled drug addiction and various legal issues in the past – was in his element as he was applauded by fans, who watched him lead the Crusaders against ex-Brisbane player Des Headland’s Spartans.

Although his team didn’t walk away with a win, the momentous occasion marked the first time Cousins had walked out as a captain since the AFL Grand Final in 2005.

Saturday’s charity match at the Leederville Oval was to support Footy for Life, which raises funds for The Happiness Co Foundation and Lifeline WA.

Cousins’ teammate Tim Brayshaw posted a touching tribute to the athlete post-match. 

‘There is no better way to portray the concept of Footy for life, than through the character and resilience of the man who has soared at the highest of highs and lowest of lows,’ he wrote.

‘You should be incredibly proud of yourself Benny Cousins. No matter what the critics may say, it is the man in the arena that matters most.’

Dan Hedland’s Spartans won 157 – 125 over the Crusaders. 

Brayshaw added: ‘Sometimes you get the opportunity to fly with some Eagles. 

‘Although we didn’t sneak away with the win, there were much more important wins at play, and the kind that can’t be measured on the footy field.

‘To be raising awareness for Mental health and Suicide Prevention through a game of footy is phenomenal.. to have all the donations going to Happiness Co Foundation & Lifeline WA will benefit so many Western Australian lives.’

Cousins – who is now working as a demolition tradie – looked in fine form on the day, wearing his red-and-white uniform which showed off his muscular physique.

The ripped star couldn’t wipe the grin off his face as he chatted with his team mates, before posing with fans after the match came to an end.

At his peak, Cousins was undoubtedly the best player in the AFL, but suffered a rapid demise and subsequent total unwillingness to rid himself of negative life influences.

In 2020, he decided to turn his life around after being jailed for the sixth time in 13 years.

The former West Coast Eagles captain was convicted on November 4, 2020 and sentenced to seven months jail for stalking his former partner Maylea Tinecheff. 

He was released just two weeks later from Hakea Jail in Perth due to time already served.

Buoyed by the knowledge that getting clean and healthy was the key to being a good dad to his children, son Bobby, nine, and daughter Angelique, seven, he soon started talking to Susan Backshell, a mental health support worker. 

She issued him a blunt ultimatum soon after they met: ‘Give your all, or forget it entirely.’

Since then, he has volunteered at several events in and around Perth with Ms Backshell’s community group KALT Collective, acting as a beacon of hope for disadvantaged youths, addicts and reformed criminals.

He was even named as employee of the month at a Perth construction company in October 2021, in another sign he has truly turned his life around.

The flow-on effect has seen Cousins able to spend more time with his children.

Before his well-overdue epiphany, Cousins had been in and out of jail since 2010 on drug and domestic violence charges.

‘I appreciate the support of everyone and how many chances they have given me, more than I deserve and more than I would have given anyone else,’ Cousins said in September 2021, according to The West Australian.

Ben, who was awarded a Brownlow Medal in 2005, even made his long-awaited return to the ceremony in September last year alongside his date, WA FIFO worker Kelley Hayes.

While they appeared very happy holding hands on the red carpet, it’s not known if the pair are still together today.

‘I’m just very fortunate that I got the opportunity to come to one of football’s great nights,’ Ben said on the red carpet.

‘It’s definitely a big night, it’s been a while since I’ve been to one of the football industry nights so I’m looking forward to it.’