Before Ben Cousins announced his retirement, Ricky Nixon, the agent to some of the AFL's biggest stars, opened up to RALPH about the controversial player.
Tell us your best and worst moments as an agent.
They're very similar. The day St Kilda told me they weren't going to take Ben Cousins was the worst. And the day Richmond told me they were was the best. It was a very emotional time for everybody. It was mentally and physically draining.
After Ben Cousins came out of drug rehab, how did you get clubs to even look at him again?
In the end, it was up to Ben. This is a general comment of any player, but when something like that happens, the player himself has to approach the club and give them some confidence and prove he's doing something or has done something about his issues.
Do you think Jason Akermanis deserved to get sacked?
I have a major concern with the Western Bulldogs and the way they did it. And the major concern is why it took so long. Should have happened a long time ago.
Fair enough mate. How much do you think Israel Folau can make in sponsorship deals?
Israel won't get one sponsor without AFL help. You only need to look at Karmichael Hunt, who's doing a Swisse vitamins commercial funded by the AFL. There are questions being asked as to why Gary Ablett Jr or Chris Judd or Nick Riewoldt aren't doing that commercial. It's aggravated the playing group and it'll be reflected in their collective bargaining agreement.
Cross-code poaching is rife right now. Which other league and union players could make it big in the AFL?
I wouldn't think many. [The players who've switched to the AFL] get given 10 games because the AFL will give them 10 and I don't think you'll be seeing too many Brownlow medallists — that's for sure.
What qualities do you need to become a sports agent?
It comes down to having life skills in as many different areas as possible. Playing football, not necessarily at AFL level, but you should have at least played the game. Plus almost be the world's best amateur psychologist, mentor, car buyer, fridge buyer, house buyer, parental counsellor. The list goes on and on. Jack-of-all-trades is the best way to describe it.
Sounds like you might have to wipe the player's arses as well. Do you ever watch Jerry Maguire for inspiration?
I thought it was a pretty funny film. There were a couple of moments where I swear they must've been following me around and taking notes. Stay tuned, because I think there'll be a few Australian sports movies that soon show up
Jerry Maguire.
We love that movie. Who'd play you in Ricky Nixon?
That's tough. In Ireland, the press said I resembled the Child Catcher from
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
What's your favourite sport movie?
The Club. It was well ahead of its time.
You had a health scare recently. How are you holding up?
There are no problems now. Just need to slow down a bit, mate. Apparently if you drink water, eat fruit, get sleep and consume less alcohol you feel a lot better.
What's your favourite beer?
Heineken.
Good call. The cafes and nocturnal entertainment in Heinekenland make it like Disneyland for adults. What's your grand final prediction?
Western Bulldogs. I think they're starting to come together well at the right time of the year.
Who's the standout player of 2010?
I've been doing this 20 years and have seen Matthew Richardson, Wayne Carey, Gary Ablett (Sr and Jr), Nick Riewoldt, you name it. But the best first year of any player I've ever had is Dustin Martin. Absolute standout! It's an absolute disgrace he can't win the NAB Rising Star Award.
Dan Steiner and Saxon Cheng
It's a Jungle Out There, by Ricky Nixon and James Weston is on sale now at leading bookstores.
Your say: Do you think Ben Cousins has still got a few years left in him. Leave your comment below.
For the latest sports news, live scores, tipping and fantasy go to
Slideshows
Leonardo DiCaprio's hot missus: Bar Refaeli
10 places to ski or board before you die
TV Fix
What the...?: Ben Cousins tipped to host Aussie Amazing Race
Ninemsn News
Teen sex claims a 'blatant lie' says Nixon
