Those Richmond supporters under 60 years of age might be interested to know that Ben is not the only Cousins from Perth recruited by the Tigers throughout the Club’s AFL/VFL history . . .

Back in 1957, David Cuzens (pronounced the same as Cousins) made his senior league debut with Richmond as a 24-year-old, following a lengthy football apprenticeship in Western Australia.

Cuzens, described in “The Tigers Of Old” book as a “solidly-built, determined defender, with fine judgement and anticipation”, went on to win Richmond’s Best and Fairest award during his second and third seasons with the Club (1958-59).  He also earned Victorian State representation four times, and was the Tigers’ vice-captain in 1960-61.

The Dave Cuzens football story started in Perth with the Bassandean Juniors in 1949. Then followed successful stints at Cowaramup, Karriadale and Kalgoorlie City, before Cuzens was invited to join Richmond.

But after the WAFL refused his clearance application to the Tigers, he spent the 1956 season with Melbourne suburban club Glenhuntly. 

Finally, Cuzen’s clearance to Richmond came through, and he went on to carve out an impressive 69-game career with the Club from 1957-61, before returning to WA, where he coached Subiaco, and then played for East Perth.