West Coast legend Ben Cousins says he understands the Australian Football Hall of Fame committee’s decision not to consider him for induction as part of the 2024 class.

Reports suggest the premiership Eagle and Brownlow medallist is not in consideration for the next couple of years either, with his off-field past a considerable factor.

But Cousins was unflustered by the decision to be left out of the Hall of Fame, saying on Wednesday he was looking forward to celebrating fellow champions of the game.

“I don’t find myself thinking about (being inducted), you know, ever really,” he told Mix94.5.

“It’s an honour that’s hard to come by and, you know. There’s been so many great players over the years, I wouldn’t be envious of the job of trying to only put in a limited few each year.

“I totally understand their decision. I, like everybody else, will sit there and be looking forward to celebrate whoever gets in this year.

“That’s just the way it is. I’m sure there’s a number of things that come into play when making those tough decisions. I wouldn’t like to be in their shoes, and yeah, there’s no ill will or animosity from my end.”

Fans started the push to have Cousins considered earlier this year after he turned his life around and reconnected with footy through his former club and the media.

The star’s on-field exploits and CV certainly read like a hall of famer, but a long and highly-publicised battle with substance abuse tarnished Cousins’ achievements.

The rejection comes a week after North Melbourne champion Wayne Carey’s elevation into the NSW Football Hall of Fame was blocked by the AFL.

The planned induction, which was scheduled to occur as the league took a public stand against gender-based violence, drew widespread outrage.