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Fallen AFL star Ben Cousins, the 2005 Brownlow Medallist, has arrived at Sunday's night count in Perth.

Ben Cousins is back in the AFL fold, attending the Brownlow Medal count in Perth.

The 43-year-old former West Coast star, who arrived at Optus Stadium with Kellye Fergus, is at his first Brownlow function since retiring as a player in 2010.

As a former winner, the 2005 Brownlow Medallist is invited to the count each year.

The former West Coast captain's fall because of drug addiction is well documented.

Most recently, he was convicted of stalking his ex-partner in November last year, towards the end of more than six months in jail.

He since has returned to work, is playing local football in Perth and has shaved off his beard.

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."

At his peak, Cousins was one of the AFL's top midfielders and he played a crucial role in the Eagles' 2006 premiership.

But Cousins' off-field troubles cost him the West Coast captaincy in early 2006.

He was sacked by West Coast 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.