Ben Cousins cuddles up to his dad Bryan at Brownlow Medal night
Ex-AFL star credits his father’s unwavering support during years of addiction as the pair share a red-carpet moment at the Brownlow Medal count.
Ben Cousins cuddled up to his father, Bryan, on the red carpet at the Brownlow Medal count on Monday night, a moment many described as a powerful symbol of their bond through the former AFL star’s turbulent years. The 47-year-old ex-player embraced the 71-year-old former VFL star as both men wore matching Parker & Co tuxedos, projecting a sense of pride and resilience. Cousins posted a photo from the event with a caption that highlighted the joy of sharing the night with his dad and the tailoring partnership that helped them look their best.
Cousins told Channel Seven later in the evening how meaningful the moment was for him. "I learned to love the game watching Dad. He was my hero growing up. In many ways he still is," he said, adding that his father’s support never wavered. "His unconditional support hasn't wavered. I probably wouldn't be here without it. To be here at Footy's night of nights together is an indication that life is pretty bloody good." The veteran sports program carried the moment beyond the red carpet, underscoring the emotional arc of a life shaped by the father-son relationship.
Bryan Cousins enjoyed a lengthy football career across the Victorian Football League and the West Australian Football League, spanning roughly a 17-year arc that included stints with the Perth Demons and Geelong Cats. He played more than 200 games and earned the Sandover Medal in the WAFL as the league’s best and fairest player. The elder Cousins’ career provided a frame for his son’s rise and his own public life, a dynamic that became front-page news as Ben’s career unfolded.
Ben Cousins’ own AFL journey encompassed 238 games and 205 goals for West Coast from 1996 to 2007. He captained the club from 2001 to 2005 and won the club’s best-and-fairest award four times in five seasons. His ascent was overshadowed by disciplinary issues that culminated in a suspension and subsequent sacking by West Coast in 2007 amid alleged drug-related concerns. He later returned to the league with Richmond in 2009 and retired after the 2010 season.
The path after football was rocky. Cousins spent time in custody on multiple occasions, including a seven-month spell in 2020, before turning toward a more stable life and returning to broadcasting work with Seven in Western Australia. His public narrative—marked by highs on the field and a long, difficult road afterward—has drawn widespread attention and, in recent years, a more sympathetic, forward-looking storyline as he rebuilds his life with family support at its core.
Social-media reaction to the Brownlow moment reflected a broader public interest in the father-son bond and the narrative of recovery. Followers praised the pair for their open display of affection and resilience, with comments emphasizing Bryan’s role as a constant source of support through Ben’s years of struggle. The post and the televised interview together offered a fuller picture of a pivotal, emotional night that resonated with fans across Australian sport.
The Brownlow appearance, framed by the shared tuxedos and the candid reflections on recovery, underscored a quiet but significant chapter in the Cousins family story. In a year marked by personal and professional milestones, the moment on the Brownlow red carpet served as a reminder of the enduring influence of family, the challenges of past battles, and the possibility of a steady, forward-moving life after the peak of professional sport.