Cousins Admits He May Never Play Again

Sydney Morning Herald

Friday June 27, 2008

Martin Boulton - With AAP

BEN Cousins believes he's fit enough to play again, but says his highly publicised drug addiction could stop him returning to the game that made him a star.

The former West Coast captain said he's not worried about preparing for Australian football or "if I'm going to get a kick", but rather the difficulties associated with addiction.

"Training and preparing for footy is the easy part," he told The AFL Footy Show last night. "If I ever made the decision to come back and play footy, the footy part, I wouldn't be worrying about at all. It's not preparing for footy, it's not being fit enough ... but it's everything that comes with it. It's having to take into account everything that comes with addiction."

Cousins, 29, has until Monday to register with the VFL or WAFL in a bid to help revive his career. The former Brownlow medallist admitted last year he had a drug problem and was deregistered by the AFL Commission for conduct unbecoming and bringing the game into disrepute.

After being linked this week with VFL club Port Melbourne, coach Gary Ayres told the Herald there was "a lot of water to go under the bridge" before Cousins could come to the club. "We know there's been issues off the field, but it will be very interesting to see what develops in the next three to four days," he said.

Ayres said he had not spoken to Cousins, but encouraged his bid to train and play in the VFL. "It would be very good for the competition, someone like Ben Cousins is a pretty special person, when you look at what he's been able to do from a football point of view. He's a genuine superstar of the game, no doubt. This competition needs some really good, positive publicity."

AFL Players' Association chief executive Brendon Gale said Cousins was "aware we've got a range of support available" and hopes he can make a successful return to the AFL next season.

"If he thinks [playing this year] is an important part of his preparation and conditioning, which I'd imagine it would be, then we'd support him in his endeavours," he said. "If he wants to play, wherever it is, he has our full support. We think it's fantastic. It's been a really difficult time for Ben, his family and the whole industry."

Collingwood, Richmond, St Kilda and Geelong have not ruled out taking Cousins if he is available to return to the AFL in 2009. Essendon coach Matthew Knights said yesterday he was "open- minded" about the issue.

Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson said it was unfair on Cousins for clubs to speculate about his future and whether he would return to the AFL.

"Just leave the lad alone and let him play his footy and try and resurrect his career," he said.

Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade said the club had "no interest" in the 2006 premiership star. Carlton and North Melbourne have also ruled out any interest in Cousins. Kangaroos coach Dean Laidley said Cousins's time out of the game was also a significant deterrent.