Former AFL star, Brownlow medallist and premiership star Ben Cousins is in jail after being sentenced to 12 months imprisonment on Tuesday

The former West Coast Eagles captain and Richmond player had been charged with stalking and breaching a domestic violence order, the latest in a long list of incidents that have dogged Cousins since being exposed as a drug addict.

Cousins former coach at Richmond Terry Wallace (pictured) says he feels for Cousins family and friends who have stood by him and hopes that the jail term might be the catalyst for change in the 38 years olds life.