Ben Cousins’ teammate insists AFL West Coast Great should be inducted into AFL Hall of Fame

West Coast legend Glen Jakovich believes the time has come to induct former Brownlow Medalist Ben Cousins ​​into the AFL Hall of Fame despite his notorious substance abuse problems and time behind bars.

Jakovic, who spoke to Cousins ​​recently, insists the troubled star has changed his life and should therefore be considered for the honor.

Cousins’ life spiraled out of control towards the end of his football career as he struggled with his drug addiction and spent some time in rehab.

The heartbreaking fall from grace even saw the Premier League-winning star serve multiple stints behind bars for various drug-related and stalking-related offences.

However, the six-time All-Australian and four-time John Worsfold medalist has seemingly turned things around in recent years.

West Coast legend Glen Jakovich believes the time has come to induct former Brownlow Medalist Ben Cousins ​​(pictured left) into the AFL Hall of Fame despite his substance abuse struggles and time in prison

Jakovic, who spoke to Cousins ​​recently, insists the troubled star has been life-changing and should be eligible for the honor

Cousins ​​is a part-time mentor for WAFL club Perth Demons Under-19s and works as a football analyst for Channel Seven in Perth.

His accomplishments on the field are more than worthy of induction into the Hall of Fame, but the league also has criteria of character and integrity that have so far put Cousins ​​out of the running.

Gary Ablett Snr and Wayne Carey were overlooked for the Elite honor for several years before being selected for precisely these reasons.

‘I spoke to him about a few things yesterday. The biggest question was whether he could reintegrate into community life, hold a normal job and make a normal contribution to society,” Jakovich told the Herald Sun.

“West Coast just had a Hall of Fame event that he didn’t do. They wanted to wait another 12 months. So if not this year, then next year, from an AFL perspective.

“He had a damn good 18 months. He works for Channel Seven, he works for a mining company and he goes to a lot of mining sites and talks to them and basically says don’t end up like me.

“His greatest obligation is to his children. He has gone from no access to good access and has had to check boxes with the authorities. So that’s a really big catch for “Cuz”.’

Further evidence of Cousins’ recovery came during his recent exhibition game at Optus Stadium last Sunday, when he took to the field in a West Coast jersey for the first time since 2007 to play with fellow Eagles legends.

The six-time All-Australian and four-time John Worsfold medalist has seemingly turned things around in recent years

Cousins ​​looked fit, healthy and happy – and footy fans were over the moon to see the latest chapter in the star’s redemption story.

“I get a kick or two in training with my boy’s team and kick a footy or two in Perth [Demons] but not in the spirit of the game,” he said after the game.

“It was good. I love to have a kick, it’s a young man’s game but an opportunity like this is fantastic. It’s not happening enough.”