Ben Cousins cuddles up to his proud dad Bryan at the Brownlow after he supported him during his shocking drug addiction: ‘That’s what l call a good father, through thick and thin’

by

Ben Cousins posted a heartwarming picture of himself with his dad, Bryan, taken at the Brownlow Medal count on Monday night.

A 47-year-old former Australian rules football player, once known for his controversial behavior, shared a warm embrace with his 71-year-old father, a retired VFL player, on the red carpet.

The pair looked dapper in matching Parker & Co designer tuxedos.

Ben beamed, a picture of health and happiness, and wrapped his arm around his father in a sweet, affectionate moment.

‘Loved being back at the Brownlow and even better to be alongside Dad,’ he wrote in the caption.

We’re both looking sharp, thanks to the incredible work of Parker & Co.! It feels like we’ve really hit the jackpot.

‘Now that’s what l call a good father. Through thick and thin,’ one person gushed. 

Someone else shared, ‘Your father truly deserved to be here with you, and you both should be incredibly proud of everything you’ve achieved.’

Someone else added that your recovery is the positive story Australians are hoping to hear right now.

That evening, Ben shared with Channel Seven how excited he was to be at the special event with his dad, thanking him for supporting him through difficult periods.

Ben started by saying he first fell in love with the game by watching his dad, who was his childhood hero and still is, in many ways.

He’s always been incredibly supportive, and I honestly don’t know where I’d be without him. Sharing this special night at Footy’s awards ceremony really shows how great things are going.

Oh my gosh, Bryan was just *amazing*! Seriously, seventeen years he played – in both the VFL and the WAFL! I mean, he played for the Perth Demons *and* the Geelong Cats! It’s incredible to think about how long he was at the top of his game, switching between leagues and giving it his all. I’ve followed his career forever, and it’s just legendary.

Between 1970 and 1987, he participated in more than 200 matches and was recognized as the best player in the WAFL, receiving the Sandover Medal.

Ben overcame a difficult struggle with drug addiction, a challenge that was especially hard on his father, and has now rebuilt his life.

Bryan repeatedly had to deal with media attention following Ben’s struggles with drug addiction. On one occasion, he rushed to Los Angeles in the middle of the night when Ben was hospitalized after a five-day cocaine relapse, wanting to be there for his son.

In 2015, Bryan spoke out about the need for parents to be better informed about the warning signs of methamphetamine use, as his own son was battling addiction at the time.

Bryan said he wasn’t aware of any of the signs that someone might be using drugs, as he explained to ABC News.

Professionals need to evaluate a young person’s behavior to figure out if it’s typical for their age, or if it might be related to drug use.

Between 1996 and 2007, Ben played 238 games for West Coast and kicked 205 goals. He was part of the premiership-winning team in his second-to-last season with the club.

The ex-midfielder was captain of the Eagles between 2001 and 2005, and he was named the club’s best player four times during that period.

The club suspended him in March 2007, only half a year after their grand final win against Sydney, due to suspected drug use. He was then fired six months later after being arrested for possessing drugs and refusing to provide a blood sample.

Originally from Geelong, the player rejoined the AFL in 2009, playing for Richmond before retiring after the 2010 season.

Over a thirteen-year period, Ben went to jail six times. After serving seven months in 2020, he seemed to decide he wanted to change his life.

The 47-year-old is now on the right path and is reading the news for Seven in Western Australia.

Read More

2025-09-24 05:34