Speculation was high that Cousins would use a Channel Seven interview on Grand Final morning to confirm which club he would prefer to play with in 2009. But Cousins said he would defer any such announcement until he had been cleared to re-register by the AFL
"I've been reluctant to come out and say that's exactly what I want to do, because there is a set of criteria I have to meet from the AFL's end,” he said.
"I then have to go about trying to find a club that is willing to take me on as a footballer, but also what comes with it."
Cousins has applied to the AFL be re-registered and will be advised of the outcome within the next month, and he is optimistic about his future within the game.
"Football has been a big part of my life, no question, and the exciting thing now is to see what role it will play in the future, potentially handing me a lifeline,” he said.
He refused to blame football's culture for his downfall into substance abuse, and believes returning to the environment will assist in his continuing recovery.
"I don't think AFL exposed me to drugs. Life and life experiences did," he said.
"I speak about my experiences in football very positively. It's been nothing but a positive influence in my life. For that very reason, it's motivated me to get back into it.
"I think a big part of overcoming addiction is to be integrated back into the work force, and to get back to doing what I enjoy.
"Left to my own devices, the idle hands are the devils' tool.
"I think the structure of football and the football environment can only help my recovery."
Cousins said he is "really comfortable with work I've put in with recovery this year" and wants his case to be seriously considered by the AFL when the Commission convenes in October.
"It's something that I'm learning to manage, living with and overcoming an addiction," he said.
"It's done on a daily basis and I think over the last 12 to 18 months, I've had the opportunity to step away from the football fraternity and reassess my life and regroup."
