Despite St Kilda last night saying it was no longer interested in recruiting the former Eagles skipper, Cousins told the AFL before the noon WST deadline he wanted to be made available.

And Cousins said at no stage had he said he did not want to play again, saying believes he could still be a valuable contributor to the AFL.

"As part of my ongoing rehabilitation it was my goal to nominate for the 2008 AFL national and pre-season Drafts," Cousins said in a statement.

"I wish to clarify that at no stage did I say that I would not play football again following the conditions set down by the AFL Commission.

"While they are onerous, they are understandable and achievable.

"I hope to get the opportunity to return to the game that I love.

"Playing football at the highest level again is an important part of my ongoing rehabilitation and I believe that I can be a valuable contributor at an AFL club."

The AFL confirmed Cousins' re-entry into the player pool in a statement just after the extended deadline passed.

"The AFL wishes to advise it has received a draft nomination today from player Ben Cousins," an AFL statement said

"As such, player Cousins is now eligible for selection in the 2008 NAB AFL draft.

"Player Cousins is also eligible for the 2008 NAB AFL pre-season draft, to be held on Tuesday December 16, should he not be selected on Saturday."

Focus will now shift to the Brisbane Lions, who seems to be the only club now interested in Cousins' services.

New coach Michael Voss was reportedly in Perth over the weekend to ensure Cousins of his interest in the Brownlow medallist had not waned.

But reports out of Queensland are already suggesting the Lions won't recruit the fallen Eagle via Saturday's national draft but could still sign the former Brownlow medallist in the pre-season draft on December 16.