Cousins arrived at Melbourne's Tullamarine airport just before 8pm local time Tuesday night, accompanied by friends and a couple of police escorts.
The Brownlow Medallist didn't stop as the media throng descended, but did briefly answer some questions shouted in his direction in the chaos.
Q: "Are you happy to be back in Melbourne, Ben?"
A: "Absolutely."
Q: "What was your reaction when you were drafted by the Tigers?"
A: "I was very happy."
Q: "So it's a good feeling? You're feeling good today?"
A: "I was rapt, mate."
Cousins became the last senior-list selected player earlier in the day when he was taken by the Tigers with pick six, the final choice in the 2009 NAB AFL Pre-Season Draft.
The resulting media conference with coach Terry Wallace, football manager Craig Cameron and skipper Chris Newman was one of the most heavily attended in football this year.
Cousins will run out onto Punt Road oval tomorrow morning at 9am for his first training run with his new club, and Richmond fans are encouraged to turn up and watch.
Catch the tram or the train, though - Punt Road has no parking, and school holidays could mean a significant crowd.
