Player agent Ricky Olarenshaw last month told radio station Gold FM that Cousins had gone off the rails and was considering quitting the game, but he later withdrew the accusation and apologised.
Cousins told Fox Sports’ On The Couch that he was really enjoying his time at Richmond and would like to play on beyond this year.
“Absolutely - this time last year no-one in the football industry would have expected me to get an extension on my career,” he said.
“I’ve come to the club on a year-to-year basis, and I’m happy to continue that.
“I think it’s a great way to play your footy - [play] every year as if it’s your last, and almost every week as if it’s your last week, especially when you get into the tail-end of your career.
“I’m of the opinion that, barring any bad luck, I’ll be able to play footy of the calibre I did last year, if not better, which I’m hoping will warrant a lengthy discussion about whether it’s worth going on again next year.
“I’m just really enjoying the games that I play. I’ve got a real enjoyment out of seeing the development and helping fast-track the development of some of the younger players.
“And I also, I think - deep down - wanted the opportunity to leave the game in a different way than the tail-end of serving my 12-month suspension.
“I’ve worked pretty hard to get myself into a position where I think that when I leave football, I’ll be able to leave it with some dignity.”
Cousins said he was having success in working through his well-documented drug issues.
“It’s getting easier - I’m working through it constantly, but I’m making some real progress in that area.
“What’s the most important thing? I think first and foremost it’s just to stay on track, keep moving forward.
“Progress is being made - perception is reality for me in a lot of ways, but on a personal note, there’s a lot of progress being made.
“I’m moving in the right direction.”
