Cousins had not nominated for the NAB AFL Draft when the deadline for delisted players passed on Wednesday, but an AFL statement said the fact that he was only notified on Tuesday that he was eligible to be re-registered as an AFL player warranted a one-week extension.
Cousins was reportedly considering whether he will nominate for the draft after the AFL imposed stringent conditions on his return to football, including being urine-tested up to three times a week and hair-tested up to four times a year for traces of illegal substances.
But in a statement issued on Wednesday by his management, Flying Start, Cousins said, "I am pleased that the AFL Commission yesterday decided to allow me to enter the AFL Draft.
"The conditions imposed on me are very onerous.
"I am looking forward to being drafted and playing football again, which is my love. I have been undertaking a program of rehabilitation which will continue.
"I know that I am in a fit and healthy condition and able to undertake the rigours of playing AFL football again.
"I am very grateful for the ongoing support I have received from the public and especially from those close to me".
Cousins will be given until 2pm on Wednesday, November 26, to nominate for the draft.
