Ben Cousins has at all times recognized the best way to transfer. However has by no means recognized the best way to actually dance.
Unlocking defences? Not an issue. Unlocking the hips? Not a clue.
And so, when he was requested if he would take into account swapping his outdated boots for some new shiny sneakers — for a stint on the most recent season of Dancing With the Stars — he took a second.
“It’s a type of — watch out what you would like for. No background in dancing in any way,” the previous AFL nice admitted.
“The thought of … it’d be good to possibly learn to dance. However I’ve by no means adopted via with any conviction at any stage — for even one lesson.”
Till now.
After taking that second Cousins, now 45, determined to make the leap.
The previous West Coast and Richmond midfielder can be a part of Seven’s flagship leisure present when it airs later this 12 months.
And he has already spent weeks immersed in a crash course in cha-cha, the basics of foxtrot, and the rudiments of rumba.
A world so distant from what his life has been up till now.
“It’s good timing I suppose, able to in all probability tackle some new challenges and in a great area,” Cousins instructed The Sunday Occasions this week.
“I’m not precisely positive what I’m going to get out of it. However I feel it can shock me. And I’ve loved it up till now — but it surely has been arduous.
“So there’s definitely no time to lose momentum … or let life get in the best way.”
Ben Cousins’ life has — at instances — definitely received in the best way.
His descent from the Prince of Perth to a jail cell has crammed numerous column inches, documentaries, books — even a rock opera.
However for greater than a 12 months at 7NEWS Perth, he has been on digicam. Studying morning bulletins, offering soccer evaluation, conducting interviews — studying, working. And smiling.
That well-known grin received him into — and out of — a lot hassle over the journey.
The brand new job has put Cousins again in entrance of the Perth public, who’ve seemingly at all times rooted for him, even in his darkest days.
And those that have labored intently with the Brownlow medallist have been staggered by his dedication, his willingness to hear and his potential to be taught.
“One other steep studying curve. One other state of affairs undoubtedly out of my consolation zone,” Cousins stated.
“Simply being uncovered to that has been a great expertise. It hasn’t been simple. It’s work in progress.”
As is the person.
Cousins is clear, he’s current together with his household, he seems, effectively — like Ben Cousins. He has a life again.
“I can’t change what’s occurred up to now, however … simply attempt now to not let what’s occurred have an effect on the chance I’ve received to benefit from right now,” Cousins stated.
“I’m conscious of the place I’ve come from.
“And I feel — for that purpose — recognize the issues which have come into my life right now.
“I’m actually having fun with what I’m doing. I’ve received some ambition again and … busy. However wouldn’t change that for the world.”
Coming off a latest bicep surgical procedure, the timing of the supply to develop into a part of DWTS’ class of 2024 was well timed.
“I used to be trying to kind of throw myself right into a health marketing campaign to get in some fine condition,” Cousins stated.
“In its personal means that is one thing totally different — a distinct means of approaching getting match. Utilizing all these totally different muscle mass, and it’s only a completely totally different means of transferring.
“Muscle tissues that I didn’t actually know existed to be trustworthy.
“I’m beginning on the backside, and even now having made a good bit of progress on a few the dances, you continue to realise that there’s nonetheless a protracted technique to go.”
Cousins’ associate on this collection can be Siobhan Energy, whose earlier companions on the present have included rugby league star Kris Smith, former West Indies cricket nice Curtly Ambrose and TV favorite Jamie Durie.
He says she could have her work lower out.
Insiders say Cousins is already working foolish hours within the dance studio.
“I’ve an actual wholesome respect for those that do (dance) effectively, and I’m lucky — I’ve received an incredible associate on this, who’s a tremendous dancer, and a very good trainer,” Cousins stated.
Studying the dances, and making ready for the highlight. On and off the dancefloor. The Eagles premiership famous person has already lived a life within the limelight. Now he has voluntarily put himself again on the nationwide stage.
And he feels prepared.
“It hovers over me — and doubtless doesn’t permit me to get too caught up in having fun with the second. It doesn’t matter what I’m doing, as a result of I kind of know that’s hanging over my head a bit,” Cousins stated.
“It’s not the primary time I’m going to be uncovered to having to beat the nerves aspect of issues … that’s going to be a problem.
“The entire thing can be attention-grabbing to see how, hopefully, it continues to piece collectively.
“So attempt to not look too far forward … as a result of that’s when it begins to get a bit a bit furry.”
Cousins is the primary star confirmed for this 12 months’s DWTS, which producers are promising will see essentially the most sudden celebrities ever take to the dancefloor.
There can be a shake-up on the judging panel, with Todd McKenney confirming on his social media accounts he gained’t be returning, as a consequence of his stage present with Shane Jacobson.
And Dr Chris Brown would be the new host, alongside Australia’s favorite Sonia Kruger.
“I can’t wait to see Chris lined in faux tan, poured right into a Lycra pant then watch him cha-cha throughout the DWTS flooring in a Cuban heel excessive on the fumes of hairspray,” she stated.
“Having Chris by my aspect means extra enjoyable, extra frivolity and extra medical consideration available, simply in case certainly one of our celebs wants emergency worming.”