Ben Cousins has shared a sweet photo of himself cuddling up to his father Bryan at the Brownlow Medal count on Monday night.
In the image, the former AFL bad boy, 47, embraced the retired VFL star father, 71, on the red carpet.
The pair looked dapper in matching Parker & Co designer tuxedos.
A happy and healthy Ben could not wipe the smile off his face as he put his arm around his father in the tender moment.
‘Loved being back at the Brownlow and even better to be alongside Dad,’ he wrote in the caption.
‘Lucky to both be suited up by the best in the business – Parker & Co. Haven’t we landed on our feet.’
Ben Cousins has shared a sweet photo of himself cuddling up to his father Bryan at the Brownlow Medal count on Monday night
Many of Ben’s followers took to the comment section to praise the pair for having such a strong relationship – and commended Bryan for sticking by his son’s side during his shocking drug addiction.
‘Now that’s what l call a good father. Through thick and thin,’ one person gushed.
‘Your dad so deserved to be with you. You both must be so proud with how far you’ve come,’ a second person added.
‘Your journey to recovery is the good news story all Australians need right now,’ a third chipped in.
Later that night, Ben told Channel Seven how delighted he was to be attending the exclusive event with his father, who he credited with helping him through some tough times.
‘I learned to love the game watching Dad. He was my hero growing up. In many ways he still is,’ Ben began.
‘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.’
Bryan had an incredible 17-year-career in the Victorian Football League and the West Australian Football League, playing for both the Perth Demons and the Geelong Cats.
In the image, the former AFL bad boy, 47, embraced the retired VFL star father, 71, on the red carpet
Later on the night, Ben told Channel Seven how delighted he was to be attending the exclusive event with his father, who he credited with helping him through some tough times
From 1970 – 1987, he played over 200 games, winning the Sandover Medal as the best and fairest player in the WAFL.
Ben has turned his turbulent life around after a heartbreaking battle with drug addiction which deeply affected his father.
Bryan constantly faced the press after Ben’s many drug relapses and once flew to Los Angeles in the middle of the night to be by his son’s side in hospital after he went on a five-day cocaine bender.
In 2015, Bryan publicly called for better education about parents recognising the signs of methamphetamine use, while his son was struggling with drug addiction.
‘I didn’t know any of the warning signs to be aware that there is the potential for drug use,’ Bryan told the ABC.
‘They have to assess a young person growing up, their behavioural issues. Determine whether those behavioural issues are just growing up issues – or alternatively are these indications of drug use?’
Ben played 238 games and booted 205 goals for West Coast between 1996 and 2007, winning the premiership in his penultimate season in Perth.
The former midfielder captained the Eagles from 2001 to 2005, securing the club’s best and fairest award in four out of those five seasons.
He was suspended by the club in March 2007 – just six months after the grand final triumph over Sydney – for alleged substance abuse and sacked six months later after being arrested for drug possession and refusing to submit to a blood test.
The Geelong-born player returned to the AFL in 2009 with Richmond, before retiring at the end of the 2010 season.
Ben was jailed on six separate occasions in 13 years and spent seven months behind bars in 2020, when he apparently decided enough was enough.
The 47-year-old is now on the right path and is reading the news for Seven in Western Australia.
