Cousins has been captain in 104 matches and is approaching the record set by dual premiership skipper John Worsfold (138), who held the mantle for eight seasons and is now the senior coach.
The West Coast Eagles match committee has refined its leadership group for the 2006 season, with another Brownlow medallist, Chris Judd, and dynamic utility player Andrew Embley appointed as Cousins' deputies.
The appointment of Judd and Embley as vice-captains is a departure from the system that operated in the previous two seasons where there were four deputies, with Rowan Jones and Michael Gardiner as part of the group.
"We have refined the structure because we believe Chris and Andrew have advanced greatly in their leadership capacities over the last 12 months, with both players have been identified as potential captains," Worsfold said.
"Obviously Ben has, over a long period of time, demonstrated his abilities as captain of the club and will continue in that capacity. Strong leadership within the playing group is essential and we believe we have that in abundance through Ben, Chris and Andrew.
"While Ben, Chris and Andrew are the club's designated leaders they will naturally receive support from other senior players in the squad."
The match committee made its submission on the composition of the leadership group to the club's board of directors last week and that recommendation was subsequently ratified.
West Coast Eagles chief executive Trevor Nisbett congratulated Cousins, Judd and Embley on their formal appointments, but added that leadership responsibilities extended well beyond that trio.
"Those three players have outstanding credentials as leaders and have shown the way in the past few seasons," Nisbett said. "But the leadership onus does not fall solely with those players.
"We have an extended leadership group, of which they are the core, and a leadership development group who have been outstanding contributors for some time. Each of those players is continually developing leadership qualities and we believe we have an exceptional group of young men who can assist in taking the club forward."
