'Helped save him': New details about Ben Cousins' 'mystery woman'

New details have emerged about the so-called 'mystery woman' who accompanied Ben Cousins to the Brownlow Medal.

Cousins made his first appearance at the Brownlow in 11 years last Sunday, attending the AFL's night-of-nights in Perth.

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It was the first time the 2005 Brownlow Medallist had attended the ceremony since he retired in 2010, with his life spiralling out of control in the 11 years since.

The former West Coast Eagles captain has battled a well-documented drug addiction and spent numerous stints behind bars, most recently for stalking his ex-partner.

But the AFL world was glad to see Cousins looking happy and healthy on Sunday night as he attended the Brownlow Medal with Kellye Fergus.

Fergus is a fly-in, fly-out worker who works for fine foods supplier Gourmet WA.

According to the Herald Sun, Fergus and Cousins have been friends for years and she "helped save him from the brink".

“She has always been prepared to help,” the Herald Sun quoted an anonymous source from Cousins’ 'Perth inner circle'.

“It’s not pleasant having someone around you who is in a terrible state. He burnt a lot of people along the way. But Kel has stuck by him, they have been great mates. She is a fantastic girl.”

Fergus and Cousins reportedly met through a mutual friend, Perth racing identity Kim Hunter.

“She is a great girl who has helped him a lot. But, no, they are not in a relationship," Hunter told the publication.

Ben Cousins' stunning fall from grace

Cousins has endured a stunning fall from grace in the years since he retired and was convicted of stalking his ex-partner in November last year, spending more than six months in jail.

Asked on Sunday night if he was back on the right path, Cousins replied: "Yeah absolutely."

"It's definitely a big night. It's been a while since I've been to one of the football industry nights. So I'm looking forward to it."

Cousins was asked how much work it took for him to attend the Brownlow and who helped him.

"(There's been) a little bit behind the scenes, but that's part of it," he said.

"You find yourselves in different situations along the way. It's just great to be here tonight.

"There's been plenty of people. I won't go into it tonight. I'm just very fortunate that I've got the opportunity to come to one of football's great nights."

Cousins was once one of the AFL's top midfielders and played a crucial role in the Eagles' 2006 premiership victory.

However his off-field troubles cost him the West Coast captaincy in early 2006 and he was sacked by the club after the 2007 season.

Cousins played 238 games for the Eagles and returned in 2009 to play 32 games for Richmond before he retired at the end of 2010.

with AAP

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