West Coast great Ben Cousins was looking a million dollars and naturally became the star attraction at the Brownlow Medal red carpet in his first appearance in more than a decade.

The 2005 winner of the AFL’s most prestigious individual honour, who took his most glamorous step on a long road to redemption at Optus Stadium, admits he’s “very fortunate” to be back at the event.

The 43-year-old has endured a well-documented battle with drug addiction and brushes with the law since his 270-game AFL career at the Eagles and Richmond came to an end in 2010.

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But more recently, Cousins has been out in public a lot more and even re-kindled his love for footy at Metro Football League outfit Queens Park where he pulled on the boots before a couple of games before injury struck.

Wearing a black dinner suit and bow tie, the 2006 premiership hero looked happy alongside his date Kelley Fergus.

“I’m just very fortunate that I got the opportunity to come to one of football’s great nights,” Cousins said.

“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 said there had been “a little bit” of work “behind the scenes” to get him ready for the occasion.

“A little bit behind the scenes but that’s part of it, trying to solve some situations along the way,” he said.

“It’s just great to be here tonight.”

Current West Coast superstar Nic Naitanui, who was second to Cousins in the attention stakes, was excited to catch up with the player he inherited the No. 9 jumper from.

“I actually forgot that he was coming tonight but I haven’t seen him yet,” Naitanui said.

“It’s good to have a bit of West Coast royalty in and seeing him doing well, so I’m excited to see Ben inside actually.”

Naitanui felt it was a “step in the right direction” for the former Eagles skipper and joked that he would “steal the show”.

“I met him at a young age and I’ve had a bit to do with him early on in my career before I got drafted,” he recalled.

“Obviously wearing his number at West Coast, we’ve got that special connection whether we like it or not.

“He’s had a tough battle the last few years but this is probably a step in the right direction for him.

“I can’t wait to see how he scrubs up tonight, he’s probably going to look like Brad Pitt on this red carpet.

“He’s definitely going to steal the show.”

AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan was “thrilled” that Cousins’ life was on an upward trajectory again and he was in the “right space” to attend.

“He’s a Brownlow Medal winner, he deserves to be here and I’m really pleased that he’s in the right space where he can come,” McLachlan said.

“People have ups and downs in their lives and I’m thrilled that he’s trajectory sounds like it’s good and he’s in a good spot.”