Former West Coast skipper Ben Cousins will return to Perth next week to train with WAFL clubs as he steps up his bid to make an AFL comeback next year.

Cousins met with his management company, Flying Start, in Melbourne. The troubled AFL star is in Melbourne working on a documentary.

"While Cousins will not be playing in 2008 he will return to Perth shortly and commence training with WAFL clubs East Fremantle and Perth as he keeps his options open in the hope of a return to the AFL in 2009," Flying Start said in a statement.

"Cousins will not be training with VFL club Port Melbourne while in Melbourne over the next week."

The 30-year-old Brownlow Medallist signed with Port Melbourne late last month.

However, he is unlikely to play with them this season.

The 238-game AFL premiership veteran was last year sacked by West Coast and suspended by the AFL for 12 months for bringing the game into disrepute amid his battle with drug addiction.

To make an AFL comeback, he would need to satisfy the AFL Commission that he has overcome the drug-related issues that led to his ban.

He would also have to convince an AFL club that he is worth taking in the national draft.

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