Former AFL star Ben Cousins has disclosed that he was hospitalised following the recent State of Origin match in Perth, where he underwent surgery for a hernia. The Brownlow Medallist admitted he had been “in denial” about his health for months before experiencing excruciating pain that he described as the worst of his life.
Cousins, who has faced numerous challenges since his footy career, including battles with domestic violence, drug, and alcohol addiction, has begun to regain stability in recent years. He is currently involved in the AFL media scene in Western Australia.
In a recent radio interview on Triple M, the 46-year-old shared details of his surgery, stating, “I’m going OK … I’m a little tender, actually.” He stressed that the hernia issue had been developing for months, initially presenting as a small lump that he chose to ignore. “I thought I’d hang on until the end of the footy season,” he reflected, noting how he felt as if he were still playing despite having retired years earlier.
The pain intensified dramatically for Cousins after attending the State of Origin game. “I went home and was putting my daughter to sleep when suddenly, out of nowhere, this pain struck,” he recounted. “I was ready to pass out and couldn’t even talk.” This prompted him to seek medical attention urgently, leading to his hospital visit the next day.
Cousins, who enjoyed a stellar AFL career with 270 games played for the West Coast Eagles and Richmond, winning a Brownlow Medal in 2005 and an AFL Premiership in 2006, expressed contentment about his current involvement in footy. “I’m enjoying following the game and being close to the action,” he said, adding that he has been actively watching local matches and participating in broadcasts.
His journey back to football has been rewarding, and he remains a figure of resilience and determination, having navigated the ups and downs of life post-football.