Perth have not given up hope of Andrew McDougall playing in the WAFL this season after the 26-year-old reversed a decision to re-ignite his football career.

The former Perth, West Coast and Western Bulldogs squad member trained three times with Perth during the week before having a change of heart.

McDougall, who took a year off football in 2009, said he wasn't ready for a comeback and did not want to let himself or the club down.

Football manager Rod Basell said the Demons were doing everything in their power to convince McDougall to resume at the club which helped launch his AFL career.

McDougall played 55 games for Perth, 38 for the Eagles and five for the Western Bulldogs from 2000 to 2008.

"We were very hopeful and still believe Andrew has something to offer and would complement our side well," Basell said.

"But he is concerned by making a late decision to play that he is putting himself under pressure and is not really ready. He feels like he doesn't want to let people down by not playing to the best of his ability."

Basell said he, new Perth captain Steven Armstrong and coach Andrew Jarman had all spoken to McDougall.

Armstrong has replaced Troy Cook as captain with 2009 Sandover medallist Ross Young to be the vice-captain.

Meanwhile, West Perth coach Bill Monaghan has revealed the club's gutsy skipper Jason Salecic pushed through the pain barrier last season by delaying shoulder surgery.

Salecic, 25, played all 21 matches for the Falcons in 2009 including the first semifinal loss against Swan Districts despite battling problems with both shoulders.

He had two shoulder reconstructions during the off-season.

Details of the injuries have made Salecic's effort in the Sandover Medal count even more impressive, with the Falcon finishing second overall with 43 votes, narrowly edged out by eventual winner Young.

Monaghan said there was plenty of potential upside to Salecic's game this year, describing his star as one of the competition's most underrated players.

The Falcons have named respected sports commentator Dennis Cometti as their No. 1 ticketholder for the next two seasons.