Cousins played junior football with East Fremantle before beginning his career with West Coast.
After he was de-registered for 12 months for bringing the game into disrepute, Cousins nominated for last weekend’s NAB AFL Draft only to have all 16 clubs overlook him.
Woewodin said he would have no reservations in bringing Cousins to the Sharks despite his battles with drug addiction.
“I reckon Ben would be a fantastic acquisition for this footy club. There’s a strong East Fremantle connection there. It’s entirely up to Ben what he wants to do and where he wants to go with his footy,” Woewodin told afl.com.au.
Woewodin, who like Cousins is a former Brownlow medallist, says he will not pursue the former Eagle captain until after the pre-season draft.
“Ben’s awaiting the pre-season and once that is finalised, we’ll [look at future options],” he said.
“I haven’t spoken to him yet … Ben’s harbouring an ambition to play AFL footy and he’s still got a chance in a couple of weeks.”
Woewodin said recruiting Cousins would be a huge boost for East Fremantle’s youthful playing group.
“It’d be a terrific thing to have Ben around such a young list,” he said.
“Take into account his professionalism, his preparation and what he’s done with his footy. And we’d love him to continue playing his footy too."
