Admitting his life had been somewhat of a contradiction, Ben Cousins says his two-year stint at Richmond has prepared him for life outside of football which begins in less than a fortnight.

Flanked by coach Damien Hardwick and general manager of football Craig Cameron, Cousins confirmed at Punt Rd on Tuesday that his career has just two matches remaining - against St Kilda this weekend and Port Adelaide at Etihad Stadium in round 22.

Cousins said he felt he still had something to give on the field but the best decision was to retire and terminate a career that featured tremendous personal and team success, particularly with the West Coast Eagles, but an on-going battle with drug addiction off it.

"I think for the guys that have played with me, I think they will remember me as someone who was single minded about team success and I think the thing about that is that it doesn't mirror up necessarily with the image that I am portrayed with externally," Cousins said after addressing his teammates earlier in the morning.

"It doesn't marry up with someone that has had drug problems and a lot of indiscretions off the field.

"That probably adds to the complexity of addiction.

"That's what I have played the game for, team success. I have been lucky enough to achieve a lot of individual accolades, particularly early in my career. I am not lying when I say it's insurmountable compared to the enjoyment that I have received from team success and seeing guys around me do well."

Cousins, 32, and the Tigers initially met last week to discuss his future and the decision to retire was rubber-stamped at a three-hour meeting on Monday.

While retirement is the party line, Cousins twice suggested he was keen to play on for another year. Hardwick, who said Cousins had been in superb touch in recent weeks, even admitted the Tigers had been keen for him to continue, but all agreed in the end the time to part ways had arrived.

"The tough part about making this decision is, I believe we at the footy club are heading in the right direction and for my own selfish reasons I would like to hang on for another year for grim death and try and enjoy some of the spoils that are headed our way," Cousins said.

"But I believe it is the right time. I am happy, content with what I have achieved in footy. I think by walking away from the game now I can walk away in a positive light."

He later added: "I didn't want to get found wanting. I think I probably walk away with a couple still left in the gun. I think when you start to question whether it is the right time, it probably is.

"I am happy and proud of what I have achieved in footy. I think it's just the right time for everyone involved."

A recovering drug addict, Cousins is tested three times a week by the AFL, a regime which has helped straighten a life that appeared headed for ruin after the 2007 season. He was barred from playing in 2008 for bringing the game into disrepute, and now faces a new challenge in dealing with life away from football's safety net.

"I would be lying if I said there wasn't a little bit of trepidation about entering the next phase of my life," he said.

"It's probably no different to any other footballer that has played 15 years of footy and has been their life. It's been my life. It's not just a lifestyle. It's a way of thinking. It's in my marrow.

"It will take a bit of adjusting but at the same time I am looking forward to throwing myself into the next phase of life with the same vigour that I have done in this one

"I am looking forward to exploring some opportunities business wise with some people that I have been involved with as friends over the last few years."

While emotional in parts in his press conference, especially when talking about the support his parents and family had given, the 2005 Brownlow medallist still found time to lighten the mood. Asked about the regular meetings with drug testers, he replied:

"I have become pretty good friends with those guys. I see them more than my missus," he said, sparking laughter from the packed press conference.

"There is no doubt that has been good for me, especially initially. The last two years have been about getting back to leading life and getting the best out of myself whilst dealing with addiction on a private level. I think the last two years have held me in good stead for that."

Cousins is unlikely to have a role in football in the short term but believes his journey, particularly off the field, has provided him with something to offer, whether that be in the AFL or the wider community.

"There is definitely scope for me to pass on some of the things I have learnt growing up," he said.

"I enjoy working with young people. Whether it's in the AFL or other areas in the community, the time will come for me to give something back. I am under no illusions that I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for the same sort of support that I have received."

A  four-time Eagles best and fairest and a key component of the club's 2006 premiership, Cousins was taken by the Tigers with pick six in the 2009 pre-season draft at the urging of AFL great Kevin Sheedy and mentor Gerard Healy.

He said his time with the Tigers had resurrected his life.

"There is no doubt getting back to football and being around the footy club helped me heal some open wounds, get a bit of self worth and credibility back and I think I go into the next phase of my life with my head held high," he said.

"I don't condone a lot of the things I have done but I can sit pretty comfortable with the way it has worked out."