Ben Cousins must be inducted into the AFL Hall of Fame. His football career is more than worthy to receive the honour, it is astounding that a player of his statue does not receive the recognition he well and truly deserves.

The issues from his private life should not diminish his standing in the game. There are a number of players who have been inducted, despite also facing personal issues of their own. Unlike the other players who have been allowed to deal with these problems in private and away from it being broadcast to become public knowledge - Ben Cousins has had intense media scrutiny for well over 10 years, which has led to the undermining of his prowess on the field.

His achievements include:

• 2006 AFL Premiership
• 2005 Brownlow Medal (7 x top 10 finishes)
• 2005 AFL MVP (2001 & 2002 3rd place finishes)
• 6 x All Australian (1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2005 (vc) & 2006)
• 4 x West Coast Eagles Club Champion (2001, 2002, 2003 & 2005),
• 10 x top 10 Club B&Fs finishes
• 1996 AFL Rising Star, West Coast Eagles captain 2001-2005