'No ill will': Cousins reacts to Hall of Fame decision

UPDATED: Former West Coast Eagles star Ben Cousins has responded after it was revealed he would not be inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame will elevate Hawthorn champion Jason Dunstall to Legend status in June, alongside several other members who will join the prestigious group.

The committee “has not seriously debated Cousins as a prospective member”, according to The Age, indicating that Cousins’ past indiscretions are a major factor as to why he hasn’t yet been added.

Cousins’ career, which included the 2005 Brownlow medal and a premiership with the Eagles in 2006, ended controversially, with the star sacked by West Coast in 2007, before returning to finish his career at Richmond.

The six-time All-Australian spent time behind bars after his footballing career came to a sour end and acknowledged the stance from the league on Wednesday.

“I totally understand their decision,” he told Mix FM.

“I, like everybody else, will sit there and be looking forward to celebrate whoever gets in this year … that’s just the way it is.”

“I’m sure there’s a number of things that come into play when making those tough decisions. I wouldn’t like to be in their shoes.