FALLEN Eagles star Ben Cousins' links with Perth's underworld were laid bare last night when John Kizon revealed he had privately counselled the troubled footballer about his battle with drugs.

In an interview with Channel Seven's Today Tonight, Kizon spoke openly for the first time about his relationship with Cousins, who Kizon said had turned to him for advice as early as 2003 in his battle with the drug addiction that ultimately claimed his football career.

The revelation came as Cousins and a friend placed a death notice for Bill Christian, the father of controversial boxing trainer Craig, a good friend of Kizon's.

Kizon said he confronted Cousins privately about his drug use after rumours first surfaced about police phone taps recording the footballer's relationship with dealers.

Kizon, who was convicted in 1982 for possession of heroin and money from the sale of the drug, was frequently linked with Cousins during the former star's high-flying career, but dismissed allegations he was partly responsible for the troubled footballer's downfall, saying he tried to help Cousins stay on the right path.

"When we heard Ben was in quite a bit of trouble himself with his problem, we've privately had chats with him, with a number of friends of mine, and tried to get him on the straight and narrow," Kizon said.

Kizon attacked West Coast's champagne culture, saying the club used Cousins as a poster boy for its corporate and sponsorship events but abandoned him when Cousin's drug use hit the public spotlight.

WEST AUSTRALIAN