Ben Cousins reveals health status amid sad news
West Coast Eagles legend Ben Cousins has revealed that he recently underwent knee surgery, which led to his withdrawal from the EJ Whitten Legends Game. The six-time All-Australian was set to participate in the star-studded event but was forced to pull out at the last minute due to knee issues requiring surgical intervention.
The announcement comes shortly after Cousins experienced another health scare when he discovered a lump, prompting an emergency hospital visit. Describing it as the most painful experience of his life, Cousins underwent surgery to address the issue. He 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!”
The quick operation for the 2005 Brownlow Medalist took place just after he withdrew from the game, where he was expected to join fellow AFL greats like Cyril Rioli, Gary Ablett Jnr, Luke Hodge, and Nick Riewoldt. Cousins had previously mentioned on his radio show, Mix94.5’s Pete & Kymba with Ben Cousins, that his intensified training regimen in preparation for the game had led to the injury.
Health Setbacks and Recovery
Cousins, now 47, explained how his preparation for the Legends Game took a toll on his body. “I stepped up my training in preparation, and unfortunately, I’ve done myself a mischief,” he said. “Disappointed, but, yeah, I’ve hurt my knee.”
He further elaborated on the situation, noting that due to a prior hernia, he had not been running much. “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,” Cousins explained. “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.”
Legends Game Continues
Despite Cousins’ absence, the EJ Whitten Legends Game still promises to deliver excitement with a roster full of AFL icons. The event aims to raise funds to support patient care and vital research collaborations at the Australian Prostate Centre. The game will take place at Marvel Stadium, starting at 7 PM, and will be broadcast live and free on Seven and 7plus Sport.
Team Rosters
The teams are packed with talent, ensuring a thrilling match for fans. Team Victoria, coached by Tim Watson, includes players like Luke Hodge (C), Gary Ablett Jnr, and Brendan Fevola. Meanwhile, Team All Stars, led by coach Shane Crawford, features Nick Riewoldt (C), Cyril Rioli, and Adam Cooney.
- 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
Looking Ahead
As Cousins recovers from his surgery, the AFL community continues to rally around him, offering support and encouragement. The Legends Game, while missing one of its stars, remains a crucial event for raising awareness and funds for prostate cancer research. Fans can look forward to an evening of nostalgia and athletic prowess, all for a worthy cause.
With the game set to kick off soon, the focus remains on the positive impact these legends can make off the field, inspiring both fans and future generations of players.
