Ben Cousins assaulted in prison

Fallen AFL star Ben Cousins has been set upon by other inmates at a Western Australian jail for refusing to take part in a football match.

As reported exclusively by Damian Barrett on The AFL Footy Show, the 38-year-old former West Coast Eagles captain was allegedly assaulted by a group of men inside the jail in Perth after he said he would not join in the game.

"We have had it confirmed that he indeed was assaulted by inmates," Barrett said.

"He was approached by a group of inmates and asked to play in a football scratch match," he added.

"He declined that approach and subsequent to doing that was set upon by inmates."

Cousins is serving a one-year prison sentence after repeatedly breaching a violence restraining order.