FORMER West Coast Eagles captain Ben Cousins has confirmed that he won't play football at any level in 2008, but hasn't ruled out a return to the AFL next year.

In a statement released by his management company Flying Start, and published online at The Age, the 2005 Brownlow Medallist has decided not to train with VFL club Port Melbourne.

Currently in Melbourne to attend a series of meetings for a self-produced documentary about his battle with drug addiction, it has been confirmed Cousins will return to his home state to instead train with WAFL clubs East Fremantle and Perth.

"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," the statement read.