A free Ben Cousins said it was “nice to be out” as he enjoyed playing doting uncle today on an outing with his sister Sophie and one-year-old niece Matilda.

Cousins was released from Hakea Prison after a successful bail application last week. The 40-year-old had been in custody since last August, missing West Coast’s thrilling premiership win over Collingwood.

The Brownlow medallist was spotted at the Cockburn Aquatic and Recreation Centre, which is also the Fremantle Dockers’ training base, this morning.

Appearing friendly and relaxed, Cousins was dressed casually in a chequered shirt and long shorts. He sported a greying goatee beard and had his long hair tied back.

Camera Icon Ben Cousins spotted at the Cockburn Aquatic and Recreation Centre. Credit: Danella Bevis

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The former AFL star, who has battled drug addiction, appeared to be in good health, shaking hands with and speaking to cafe patrons and acquaintances.

He looked thrilled to be spending time with his baby niece, pulling faces and playing with her in the foyer of the recreation centre.

Cousins has previously told a court of his pain at being denied access to his own children.

“Every day I close my eyes when the sun goes down and I spew that it's another day I'm not going to be with my children,” he said when begging a magistrate for his freedom last year.

When approached by The West Australian, Cousins was polite but reluctant to talk.

“I'm not going to have a chat mate today, but maybe down the track. It's nice to be out (of jail),” he said.

Asked whether he had any plans for work or involvement in football, Cousins said: “I'll just leave it at that, but yeah nice to be out mate.”

Play Video Cousins played 238 games for West Coast between 1996 and 2007. The West Australian Video Cousins played 238 games for West Coast between 1996 and 2007.

Cousins is due to go to trial on September 12 over disturbing allegations he stalked and threatened his former partner Maylea Tinecheff.

Last month, he pleaded not guilty to 14 offences in Armadale Magistrate’s Court, 12 of which relate to breaching a family violence restraining order, along with a count each of aggravated stalking and threatening to injure, endanger or harm.

Since his arrest last August at the home of his former partner, Cousins has been in custody at Hakea Prison. Police allege Cousins bombarded the mother of his children with phone calls, messages and visits, ignoring the violence restraining order.