Ben Cousins reveals health status amid sad news
West Coast Eagles legend Ben Cousins has revealed that he underwent knee surgery, prompting his withdrawal from the highly anticipated EJ Whitten Legends Game. The six-time All-Australian was set to join a roster of AFL greats, but last-minute knee issues forced him to opt for surgery instead.
The announcement comes shortly after Cousins faced another health scare, having been rushed to the hospital for surgery upon discovering a lump. The former premiership player described the ordeal as the most painful experience of his life. Despite the setback, Cousins took to Instagram to update his fans, stating,
“Just out of surgery! All the best tonight for those involved in the Legends game, great cause!”
Impact on the Legends Game
Cousins’ absence from the Legends Game, an event featuring iconic AFL players, was felt by fans and participants alike. The 2005 Brownlow Medalist was expected to take the field alongside stars like Cyril Rioli, Gary Ablett Jnr, Luke Hodge, and Nick Riewoldt. The game, which supports the Australian Prostate Centre, remains a significant event, raising funds for patient care and vital research collaborations.
Despite Cousins’ disappointment, the show goes on, with many big names still participating. The game kicks off at 7 PM at Marvel Stadium and is broadcast live and free on Seven and 7plus Sport.
Background and Training Challenges
According to Cousins, the knee injury was exacerbated by increased training in preparation for the Legends Game. On his radio show, Mix94.5’s Pete & Kymba with Ben Cousins, he explained,
“I stepped up my training in preparation, and unfortunately, I’ve done myself a mischief. Disappointed, but, yeah, I’ve hurt my knee.”
He further elaborated on the challenges he faced, noting,
“I hadn’t been doing much running at all … because of the hernia, so then, just in a short space of time, had to ramp it up pretty quickly if I was going to be out running and going to kick. So yeah, I wasn’t exactly sure what I’d done, but it was quite sore the last week. I’ve since had scans and realised I’m getting old.”
Lineup and Game Details
Despite Cousins’ absence, the Legends Game features a star-studded lineup. Team Victoria, coached by Tim Watson, includes players like Luke Hodge, Gary Ablett Jnr, and Brendan Fevola. Meanwhile, Team All Stars, led by Shane Crawford, boasts names such as Nick Riewoldt, Cyril Rioli, and Andrew McLeod.
Team Victoria
- Tim Watson (coach)
- Luke Hodge (C)
- Gary Ablett Jnr
- Brendan Fevola
- Dane Swan
- Tommy Sheridan
- Steve Johnson
- Luke Shuey
- Campbell Brown
- Brent Harvey
- Bob Murphy
- Dave Hughes
- Stephen Milne
- Chris Johnson
- Paul Dimmatina
- Brett Deledio
- Dylan Buckley
- Travis Cloke
- Luke Ball
- Heath Scotland
- Easton Wood
- Luke Dahlhaus
- Jordan Roughead
- Josh Gibson
- Brad Sewell
- James Frawley
- Michael Hurley
Team All Stars
- Shane Crawford (coach)
- Nick Riewoldt (C)
- Cyril Rioli
- Daniel Gorringe
- Adam Cooney
- Isaac Smith
- Andrew McLeod
- Andrew Embley
- Kate McCarthy
- Ben Cousins (out)
- Ollie Geale
- Erin Phillips
- Nick Cody
- Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti
- Nick Davis
- Zach Tuohy
- Tom Rockliff
- Nick Daffy
- Jeff Farmer
- Travis Varcoe
- Matt Shirvington
- Prime Train
- Joel Patfull
- Danny Southern
- Paul Puopolo
- Mitch Robinson
- Chad Cornes
- Steve Hooker
The Legends Game for prostate cancer is a crucial event, streamed live and free on Thursday, August 28, from 7 PM on Seven and 7plus Sport.
Looking Ahead
As Cousins recovers from his surgery, the AFL community continues to rally around him, offering support and encouragement. His absence from the Legends Game serves as a reminder of the physical toll that professional sports can take, even years after retirement. Meanwhile, the event itself underscores the importance of supporting medical research and patient care, with proceeds going towards the Australian Prostate Centre.
With the game set to proceed, fans can look forward to an exciting evening of football, camaraderie, and charity, ensuring that the spirit of the Legends Game endures.
