The AFL community is buzzing with mixed reactions following the announcement that Ben Cousins will be joining Channel 7’s commentary team in Western Australia for the 2025 season. The former Brownlow Medalist and West Coast Eagles star will provide expert analysis alongside Daisy Pearce, Mark LeCras, and Shaun McManus. This move is part of Seven’s effort to deliver a more locally focused broadcast for Eagles and Dockers fans, with the new team covering Sunday games at Optus Stadium, including the highly anticipated Western Derby in Round 3.
For Pearce, this marks a return to the commentary box after stepping back from her commitments due to her role as the West Coast AFLW coach. Now, she will balance both responsibilities throughout the 2025 season. Meanwhile, Cousins’ new position comes as he continues his rehabilitation journey, having made significant progress in rebuilding his life after years of personal struggles. The 46-year-old, who has also been working with 7News, appears to be in a much better place than in previous years, both personally and professionally.
Cousins’ football career was marked by brilliance on the field, playing 238 games for the Eagles and later 32 games for Richmond before retiring in 2010. However, his off-field troubles, including a well-documented battle with substance abuse and multiple legal issues, led to his departure from the Eagles and a period of incarceration. Now, with a fresh opportunity in broadcasting, many fans are celebrating his turnaround, while others remain skeptical about his presence in the media spotlight.
Despite his efforts to move forward, Cousins remains absent from the AFL Hall of Fame, a decision that the league continues to stand by. The West Coast legend has been eligible for induction since 2013, but his past controversies have prevented his inclusion. He has taken the decision in stride, acknowledging the complexities involved in such choices and expressing no resentment toward the league. Similar delays have occurred for other AFL figures with controversial histories, including Gary Ablett Sr. and Wayne Carey, both of whom faced prolonged waits before being inducted.
As Cousins embarks on this new chapter in sports media, public opinion remains deeply divided. Some view his return as a redemption story worth celebrating, while others believe his troubled past should keep him out of the public eye. Regardless of the debate, his role with Channel 7 marks another significant step in his ongoing journey to rebuild his life and reputation.