In a moment that brought the house down at Perth's iconic charity event, former AFL bad boy Ben Cousins delivered an unexpected and eye-catching performance that had everyone talking. The retired West Coast Eagles champion made not one, but two shirtless appearances during Channel 7's annual Telethon, which raised an astonishing $90 million for sick children across Western Australia.
The Surprise Strip That Stole the Spotlight
The 46-year-old football legend, looking remarkably fit and healthy, first revealed his chiselled physique during a live segment with Telethon hosts. As cameras rolled and the audience watched in anticipation, Cousins peeled off his shirt to showcase his impressive physical condition, drawing gasps and cheers from the packed arena.
But the Brownlow Medallist wasn't done yet. Later in the evening, during a performance with former Australian Idol winner Stan Walker, Cousins once again bared his torso, proving that retirement hasn't slowed down his commitment to staying in peak physical form.
A Triumphant Return to the Public Eye
For those familiar with Cousins' well-documented struggles with substance abuse following his glittering AFL career, his appearance represented more than just a charity moment. It marked a powerful statement about his journey toward recovery and redemption.
The 2005 Brownlow Medallist appeared confident and comfortable in the spotlight, a far cry from the troubled figure that had dominated headlines during the darkest days of his addiction battles. His participation in one of Western Australia's most beloved charitable traditions signals a remarkable turnaround for the football icon.
Record-Breaking Night for a Worthy Cause
The shirtless antics came during an historic evening for the Telethon organisation, which smashed all previous records by raising $90 million for the Perth Children's Hospital Foundation and various children's charities throughout Western Australia.
Cousins' involvement added star power to an event that has become a cornerstone of WA's charitable calendar, drawing support from celebrities, sports stars, and community leaders alike. His willingness to participate - and entertain - demonstrated his commitment to giving back to the community that once cheered him on during his football heyday.
A New Chapter for the Football Legend
Observers noted that Cousins appeared relaxed and happy throughout the evening, engaging with fans and fellow celebrities with the same charm that made him one of Australian Rules Football's most marketable stars during his peak years.
His physical condition drew particular attention, with many social media users commenting on his impressive transformation. The dual shirtless moments served as a powerful visual representation of his personal rebirth, showcasing not just physical fitness but a renewed sense of purpose and wellbeing.
The evening proved that while Ben Cousins may have hung up his football boots years ago, he remains capable of capturing public attention - this time for all the right reasons.
