SEN footy analyst Danny Frawley believes it was incumbent on West Coast to extend an olive branch to troubled premiership star Ben Cousins.
Upon his release from a medium security Perth prison yesterday after serving 10 months of a 12-month sentence for stalking his former partner, it was revealed the Eagles had offered Cousins a part-time role working with the club’s community and game development department.
“I’m rapt for his father Brian and Ben that West Coast has given him that opportunity because in a roundabout way they probably owe Ben,” Frawley told SEN Breakfast.
“It probably wasn’t a safe environment at the Eagles.
“Trevor Nisbett (West Coast CEO) is smart enough to know that the club needs to extend an olive branch.”
Cousins, a former West Coast captain, has parole conditions that include suitable accommodation, confirmed employment and support from peers and family.
He must also undergo random urinalysis, attend programs and counselling and not change his address without approval.
Frawley says good can still come from one of the AFL’s most publicised demises.
“If he gets it right now he’s got a great opportunity to sell a great message to any West Coast player and any person given what he’s gone through,” he said.
“But he’s still at a big fork in the road, let’s face it.”
Cousins is yet to indicate if he will accept West Coast’s employment offer.
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