The 40-year-old drug addict was arrested on Tuesday evening during a disturbance at a Canning Vale house and was later allegedly found with 13 grams of methylamphetamine.

Cousins faces 16 charges including aggravated burglary, aggravated stalking and possessing a prohibited drug with intent to sell or supply.

The former West Coast Eagles captain, who has no fixed address, appeared in Armadale Magistrates Court on Wednesday looking dishevelled with long hair and a beard.

He repeatedly told the magistrate he understood the offences but did not understand why he had been charged.

"Is this a vendetta? I don't understand what's going on," he said.

The charges relate to Cousins repeatedly breaching a violence restraining order taken out by his ex-partner, Maylea Tinecheff, with whom he has two children.

The court heard on one occasion he got into a car with her while holding a screwdriver and said: "I can't wait to use it."

He later allegedly threatened to kill her and take away the things she loved most.

Ms Tinecheff's complaints against Cousins dated back to August 8 but she only made a statement to police on Tuesday.

Cousins desperately looked at his lawyer Michael Tudori during proceedings and quietly said: "I can't go back mate, I can't."

In a lengthy and emotional rant, Cousins applied for bail against Mr Tudori's advice.

Cousins told the magistrate he took the situation seriously and had come out of prison this year a different person.

"I still haven't gone back to my old ways," he said.

"I need you to see that I am making an effort."

Cousins claimed he was the victim and begged the magistrate to "work with" him.

"I beg you, I'm not a threat."

Cousins also pointed out that despite being the subject of ridicule and embarrassment, which he had largely brought on himself, he had never acted violently.

"If there's one thing that is a strength of my character it is my ability to not act out in violence."

The Brownlow medallist said he was worried about not being part of his children's lives.

"Every day I close my eyes when the sun goes down and I spew that it's another day I'm not going to be with my children."

But the magistrate said there were no conditions he could impose on Cousins to ensure he would comply, so bail was refused.

Cousins was remanded in custody and is due back in court on October 30.

Australian Associated Press