Brownlow Medallist Ben Cousins among former West Coast Eagles players to take part in AFL curtain raiser

Ben Cousins will take to the footy field in Eagles colours for the first time in more than 15 years when he lines up in a legends curtain-raiser ahead of Sunday’s West Coast game at Optus Stadium.

The 44-year-old will run out for the OWLS (Older, Wiser, Larger, Slower) squad of retired players in a scratch match against the ex-players’ children, also known as the club’s Second Generation Academy, ahead of the Eagles’ clash with Greater Western Sydney.

It will mark Cousins’ first game in blue and gold since 2007, when he played the last of his 238 matches for West Coast in the club’s narrow qualifying final loss to Port Adelaide before his controversial exit from the club.

Cousins recently took up an off-field role with the Perth Demons, helping coach the colts side on a part-time basis.

He has also returned to the spotlight in an analysis role for Seven, covering the biggest talking points in footy alongside fellow ex-Eagle and Demons president Adrian Barich.

The 2005 Brownlow medallist, who was an integral part of West Coast’s 2006 flag triumph, will join fellow premiership stars from that side in Darren Glass, Drew Banfield and Michael Braun in the curtain-raiser.

Popular forwards Phil Matera, Brett Heady and Ashley Sampi will also feature, as will former defender Eric Mackenzie and wingman Matt Rosa.

Bouncedown for the AFL9s clash is at 12.55pm, before the Eagles take on the Giants at 3.20pm.