Essendon’s 12 banned players make calls over return to Bombers in 2017

DAVID Myers is the fourth of the 12 banned players on Essendon’s list to commit to returning next year. Where are the others at?

Captain Jobe Watson is yet to make a decision on his future.

WILL all of EssendonÂ’s banned players return to the club next year?

The club is confident all 12 players on Essendon’s list serving 12-month doping bans will be back, and the mood will be buoyed by the re-signing of All-Australian defender Cale Hooker and midfielder David Myers.

But the future of several players — including skipper Jobe Watson — remains up in the air.

Six are coming out of contract and the other six having the option to walk out and become delisted free agents if they choose.

Essendon, meanwhile, has guaranteed players on deals that expire at the end of this year, including Brent Stanton and Tom Bellchambers, the same contract will be on the table for next year.

Here’s where the Bomber 12 stand.

CALE HOOKER

His new five-year deal is a massive boost for Essendon — and a big blow for the rival clubs that were hoping to lure him out of Tullamarine. Freo strikes out again.

MICHAEL HURLEY

Another key defender high on the recruiting radar of a number of rivals, but a deal tying to the Bombers is expected soon.

TRAVIS COLYER

The 24-year-old speedster has signed a three-year contract extension keeping him at the club until the end of 2019.

HEATH HOCKING

His show of loyalty started the ball rolling when he became the first banned Bomber to commit a month ago to returning next season.

DAVID MYERS

Out of contract and the first-round draft pick has put pen to paper on a three-year deal tying him to the club until the end of 2019. Long-kicking midfielder has been plagued by injuries since making his debut in 2008.

BEN HOWLETT

Re-signed two years ago until the end of 2016. Hasn’t committed to return but is training with banned teammates.

BRENT STANTON

Signed a one-year deal in October last year which is now effectively void. Also training but nothing official yet from the 29-year-old.

TAYTE PEARS

Signed a one-year deal in November last year but the injury-prone defender is yet to commit for next year as he studies for a new career in firefighting.

TOM BELLCHAMBERS

No official deal announced yet but his manager Shane Casley told the Herald Sun two weeks ago he believes his client will return next year: “He has had opportunities to leave and he’s been very loyal. My gut feel is that wouldn’t change now.”

MICHAEL HIBBERD

Signed up until the end of 2017. Could exit that if he wants to but no indication of that happening.

DYSON HEPPELL

Signed a five-year deal with the Bombers last year but with Hooker off the table expect rivals to offer the midfield star massive deals (think six figures) to delist himself. Still expected to return in 2017 — possibly as captain.

JOBE WATSON

Contracted until the end of 2017 but there is speculation the 31-year-old skipper in exile could give the game away after falling out of love with footy last season. Training runs with banned teammates are a positive sign.