Ben CousinsBen CousinsThis Is Your This Is Your

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30 June 197830 June 1978Benjamin Luke Cousins is born in Geelong, Victoria.Benjamin Luke Cousins is born in Geelong, Victoria.

19941994Schoolboy, Ben Cousins has a training run with Geelong. Geelong wanted him under Schoolboy, Ben Cousins has a training run with Geelong. Geelong wanted him under the father son rule. But when the time came, the WCE made him a better offer.the father son rule. But when the time came, the WCE made him a better offer.

July 1995July 1995West Coast edges out Geelong and Fremantle to sign Cousins under the father-son West Coast edges out Geelong and Fremantle to sign Cousins under the father-son rulerule

The Early Years

19961996 In his first season with West Coast, he wins the Rising Star AwardIn his first season with West Coast, he wins the Rising Star Award

1998 1998 Named All Australian; runner-up in West Coast best and fairestNamed All Australian; runner-up in West Coast best and fairest

19991999 Plays his first final; named All Australian; selected to play for Australia in the Plays his first final; named All Australian; selected to play for Australia in the international rules series.international rules series.

20002000Signs a new three-year contract worth an estimated $1mil over three years.Signs a new three-year contract worth an estimated $1mil over three years.

20012001Named co-captain with Dean Kemp. Wins West Coast best and fairestNamed co-captain with Dean Kemp. Wins West Coast best and fairest

20012001Eagles coach Ken Judge was warned by Liam Fitzpatrick, a Perth detective, that Eagles coach Ken Judge was warned by Liam Fitzpatrick, a Perth detective, that Cousins was using illegal drugs. WCE administration took no action.Cousins was using illegal drugs. WCE administration took no action.

20012001Cousins and Michael Gardiner photographed entering Crown Casino with John Cousins and Michael Gardiner photographed entering Crown Casino with John Kizon, alleged hit man.Kizon, alleged hit man.

20022002Named sole West Coast captain; wins West Coast best and fairestNamed sole West Coast captain; wins West Coast best and fairest

March 2002March 2002Cousins was spotted socialising with organised crime figures in Melbourne.Cousins was spotted socialising with organised crime figures in Melbourne.

On to the Years 2001 and 2002

September 2002September 2002Cousins suffers a broken arm after altercations at a Perth nightclub with teammate Cousins suffers a broken arm after altercations at a Perth nightclub with teammate Daniel Kerr. Kerr punched Cousins and pushed him down a flight of stairs. The Daniel Kerr. Kerr punched Cousins and pushed him down a flight of stairs. The altercation was over Kerr’s relationship with Cousin’s sister, Melanie.altercation was over Kerr’s relationship with Cousin’s sister, Melanie.

20032003Wins West Coast best and fairestWins West Coast best and fairest

April 2005April 2005Cousins questioned by police over a nightclub brawl involving John Kizon, an Cousins questioned by police over a nightclub brawl involving John Kizon, an associate of slain standover man Alphonse Gangitano.associate of slain standover man Alphonse Gangitano.

And now the Years 2003 and 2005

May 2005May 2005Cousins and teammate Michael Gardiner refused to tell police what they knew about Cousins and teammate Michael Gardiner refused to tell police what they knew about a shooting at a Perth nightclub involving Coffin Cheater Troy Mercanti, a prominent a shooting at a Perth nightclub involving Coffin Cheater Troy Mercanti, a prominent member of WA's notorious outlaw motorcycle gang. member of WA's notorious outlaw motorcycle gang.

May 2005May 2005Cousins and then teammate Michael Gardiner face scrutiny for their links to underworld Cousins and then teammate Michael Gardiner face scrutiny for their links to underworld figures, John Kizon and Troy Mercanti who were allegedly involved in a shooting.figures, John Kizon and Troy Mercanti who were allegedly involved in a shooting.

20052005Plays 200th game (youngest Eagle to reach that mark); wins the Brownlow Medal (after Plays 200th game (youngest Eagle to reach that mark); wins the Brownlow Medal (after five previous top 10 finishes); runner-up, player's association Most Valuable Player five previous top 10 finishes); runner-up, player's association Most Valuable Player Award; runner-up coaches player of the year award; West Coast are runners-up.Award; runner-up coaches player of the year award; West Coast are runners-up.

12 February 200612 February 2006Cousins runs from his Mercedes four-wheel-drive and his girlfriend (and crosses a Cousins runs from his Mercedes four-wheel-drive and his girlfriend (and crosses a river) to avoid a booze bus, and following police. Cousins pleads guilty and is fined river) to avoid a booze bus, and following police. Cousins pleads guilty and is fined $900. $900.

The Year 2006 was big for you Ben.

20062006Premiership winner with West CoastPremiership winner with West Coast

December 2006December 2006Cousins is arrested after being in a distressed and disturbed state at Crown Casino in Melbourne.Cousins is arrested after being in a distressed and disturbed state at Crown Casino in Melbourne.

2 March 20072 March 2007Cousins goes on 3 week drug-fuelled bender after his split from long time girlfriend Cousins goes on 3 week drug-fuelled bender after his split from long time girlfriend Sam Druce.Sam Druce.

But the Year 2007 was when you really peaked Ben.

Early March 2007Early March 2007

Ben COUSINS' ex girlfriend went to West Coast player Andrew EMBLEY's joint trying to find Ben COUSINS' ex girlfriend went to West Coast player Andrew EMBLEY's joint trying to find where COUSINS was living. where COUSINS was living.

EMBLEY who is one of COUSINS' best mates claimed he didn't know.EMBLEY who is one of COUSINS' best mates claimed he didn't know.

EMBLEY's girlfriend was there and told COUSINS' girlfriend that EMBLEY knew and was lying. EMBLEY's girlfriend was there and told COUSINS' girlfriend that EMBLEY knew and was lying.

EMBLEY wimped it and said that COUSINS was living with Daniel CHICK. EMBLEY agreed to drive EMBLEY wimped it and said that COUSINS was living with Daniel CHICK. EMBLEY agreed to drive both girls to CHICK's address.both girls to CHICK's address.

When they get there they find CHICK and COUSINS in the raw with about 6 other girls and a When they get there they find CHICK and COUSINS in the raw with about 6 other girls and a table full of cocaine.table full of cocaine.

CHICK cracked it with EMBLEY for bringing the girls around when he was supposed to keep the CHICK cracked it with EMBLEY for bringing the girls around when he was supposed to keep the address a secret so he starts punching into EMBLEY.address a secret so he starts punching into EMBLEY.

EMBLEY's missus starts punching into CHICK.EMBLEY's missus starts punching into CHICK.

COUSINS' girlfriend grabs the cocaine and throws about $20,000.00 worth out the window.COUSINS' girlfriend grabs the cocaine and throws about $20,000.00 worth out the window.

She then starts punching into the tarts walking around with nothing on.She then starts punching into the tarts walking around with nothing on.

COUSINS is lying on the floor stoned off his head.COUSINS is lying on the floor stoned off his head.

COUSINS' girlfriend rings the club and the rest is historyCOUSINS' girlfriend rings the club and the rest is history

19 March 200719 March 2007Cousins has AFL drug test.Cousins has AFL drug test.

20 March 200720 March 2007Cousins is suspended indefinitely by the West Coast Eagles for being absent from training Cousins is suspended indefinitely by the West Coast Eagles for being absent from training sessions.sessions.

20 March 200720 March 2007Cousins father takes him into Perth Rehab for the day.Cousins father takes him into Perth Rehab for the day.

21 March 200721 March 2007Cousins father takes him into Perth Rehab again for the day.Cousins father takes him into Perth Rehab again for the day.

22 March 200722 March 2007Bryan Cousins states that his son Ben has a substance abuse problem.Bryan Cousins states that his son Ben has a substance abuse problem.

April/May 2007April/May 2007Cousins undergoes rehabilitation in Malibu, California and Perth.Cousins undergoes rehabilitation in Malibu, California and Perth.

21 July, 200721 July, 2007Cousins plays again. Has 38 disposals, wins man of the match and a $5000 plasma TV.Cousins plays again. Has 38 disposals, wins man of the match and a $5000 plasma TV.

July 2007July 2007Cousins lifts his shirt to display his tattoo proclaiming “Such Is Life”. His tattooist is Cousins lifts his shirt to display his tattoo proclaiming “Such Is Life”. His tattooist is known as Mr E. known as Mr E.

September 2007September 2007Chris Mainwaring dies. Cousins was one of the last to see Mainwaring alive. Mainwaring Chris Mainwaring dies. Cousins was one of the last to see Mainwaring alive. Mainwaring died after taking cocaine, ecstasy, cannabis, anti-depressants, Roaccutane and alcohol.died after taking cocaine, ecstasy, cannabis, anti-depressants, Roaccutane and alcohol.

16 October 200716 October 2007Cousins and team mate Daniel Chick are charged with possession of a prohibited drug, Cousins and team mate Daniel Chick are charged with possession of a prohibited drug, and refusing aand refusing apolice ordered drug assessment.police ordered drug assessment.

17 October 200717 October 2007Ben Cousins has his playing contract terminated by the West Coast Eagles. Ben Cousins has his playing contract terminated by the West Coast Eagles.

October 2007October 2007Cousins stayed at Fabian Quaid's (who was arrested in October 2008 over a record drug importation in Western Australia) Sydney home Cousins stayed at Fabian Quaid's (who was arrested in October 2008 over a record drug importation in Western Australia) Sydney home before and after traveling to Los Angeles for rehab.before and after traveling to Los Angeles for rehab.

27 October 200727 October 2007Cousins in Los Angeles to attend rehab at the Summit Center clinic. He failed to arrive at the rehab Cousins in Los Angeles to attend rehab at the Summit Center clinic. He failed to arrive at the rehab facility. Cousins is involved in a cocaine binge and is admitted to hospital.facility. Cousins is involved in a cocaine binge and is admitted to hospital.

19 November 200719 November 2007The AFL commission bans Cousins from playing for 12 months, stating that he was found guilty of The AFL commission bans Cousins from playing for 12 months, stating that he was found guilty of conduct unbecoming and likely to prejudice the interest of the AFL and of bringing the game into conduct unbecoming and likely to prejudice the interest of the AFL and of bringing the game into disrepute.disrepute.

August 2008August 2008Collingwood send a private investigator to Perth to follow Cousins for several days. The Collingwood send a private investigator to Perth to follow Cousins for several days. The investigator surveyed his behavior and social circle. investigator surveyed his behavior and social circle.

And now we come to 2008

November 2008November 2008Cousins would not be drafted by Collingwood following meetings with Victorian chief commissioner of police Christine Nixon.Cousins would not be drafted by Collingwood following meetings with Victorian chief commissioner of police Christine Nixon.

November 2008November 2008Cousins avoided a hair drug test by attending the test with no body hair long enough to take a sample.Cousins avoided a hair drug test by attending the test with no body hair long enough to take a sample.

18 November 200818 November 2008 Cousins was given approval to continue his football career by the AFL, possibly with St Kilda or Brisbane.Cousins was given approval to continue his football career by the AFL, possibly with St Kilda or Brisbane.

21 November 200821 November 2008Cousins in Melbourne and thought to be talking to St Kilda. He was in Melbourne to attend the funeral of convicted drug trafficker John Anthony Giannarelli.Cousins in Melbourne and thought to be talking to St Kilda. He was in Melbourne to attend the funeral of convicted drug trafficker John Anthony Giannarelli.

22 November 200822 November 2008 St Kilda decided not to draft Cousins.St Kilda decided not to draft Cousins.

29 November 200829 November 2008 Brisbane decided not to draft Cousins.Brisbane decided not to draft Cousins.

29 November 200829 November 2008All clubs ignore Cousins in draft.All clubs ignore Cousins in draft.

16 December 200816 December 2008Cousins signed to Tigers on basic wage and match payments.Cousins signed to Tigers on basic wage and match payments.

17 December 200817 December 2008

Cousins linked to accused gangland killer Angelo “Fat Ange” Mario Venditti. Sen-Det Tim Bell told a court that Cousins linked to accused gangland killer Angelo “Fat Ange” Mario Venditti. Sen-Det Tim Bell told a court that monitoring and surveillance which began in May this year uncovered Mr Venditti's extensive ties to Cousins, monitoring and surveillance which began in May this year uncovered Mr Venditti's extensive ties to Cousins, underworld figure Mick Gatto, Perth criminal identity John Kizon and accused drug importer Fabian Quaid (a underworld figure Mick Gatto, Perth criminal identity John Kizon and accused drug importer Fabian Quaid (a friend of Cousins). “Fat Ange” friend of Cousins). “Fat Ange” is charged with the 2002 underworld murder of drug dealer Paul “PK” Kallipolitis.is charged with the 2002 underworld murder of drug dealer Paul “PK” Kallipolitis.

18 December 200818 December 2008More than 2000 new Tigers members within 24 hours of Cousins joining.More than 2000 new Tigers members within 24 hours of Cousins joining.

26 March 2009 (about 10.00PM)26 March 2009 (about 10.00PM)Tigers thrash the Blues in the opening game. Cousins gets 39 possessions, kicks 8 goals and is given man of the Tigers thrash the Blues in the opening game. Cousins gets 39 possessions, kicks 8 goals and is given man of the match.match.

April-May-June 2009April-May-June 2009Tigers lose 3 in a row. Wallace is sacked. Sheeds takes over. Tigers make finals.Tigers lose 3 in a row. Wallace is sacked. Sheeds takes over. Tigers make finals.

Let’s move on into 2009 Ben

20102010At age 32, Cousins becomes Tigers captain.At age 32, Cousins becomes Tigers captain.

September 2010.September 2010.Cousins wins Brownlow.Cousins wins Brownlow.

September 2010September 2010Tigers premiers. Sheeds and Cousins are the new Sheeds & Hird.Tigers premiers. Sheeds and Cousins are the new Sheeds & Hird.

And to finish, we’ll go to 2010

Headlines you may have missedHeadlines you may have missed

Draft pick 70 is usually not news worthy.Draft pick 70 is usually not news worthy.

Make a Perth Underbelly series and Ben can play himselfMake a Perth Underbelly series and Ben can play himself

Tigers went for a quick fixTigers went for a quick fix

Tigers now have Brownlow medalist.Tigers now have Brownlow medalist.

Hungry Jacks is doing a Ben Cousins meal deal...no burger, no fries, just heaps of ice and cokeHungry Jacks is doing a Ben Cousins meal deal...no burger, no fries, just heaps of ice and coke

Tigers will be playing with 21 if Cousins can’t step over the white line.Tigers will be playing with 21 if Cousins can’t step over the white line.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcWvfZHAuI4