Controversial former AFL star Ben Cousins and his partner are expecting a baby.

Cousins, 33, and his partner Maylea Tinecheff, 38, have confirmed the mum-to-be is 20 weeks pregnant and is due to give birth in early October.

Cousins told New Idea magazine that although the pregnancy was not planned, it was welcome and he is looking forward to fatherhood changing his life.

The couple now live in Perth, after moving from Melbourne late last year following his retirement as an AFL player.

Cousins was sacked by the West Coast Eagles in late 2007 following battles with drug addiction and ended his playing career in Melbourne with the Richmond Tigers.

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