The AFL Commission has begun hearing a charge which will decide the football future of former West Coast captain Ben Cousins.

Cousins is facing a charge of bringing the game into disrepute, with the outcome expected to determine whether he will be allowed to play again next season, or at all.

Cousins arrived at the hearing at AFL House in Melbourne about 9am (AEDT), entering the building via a back entrance to avoid the media pack assembled outside the front.

Two security guards were posted at the front entrance to prevent media representatives from entering the building during the closed hearing.