Tayte Pears unsure if he’ll re-sign with Essendon

TAYTE Pears is yet to decide whether to take up Essendon’s guaranteed contract next year as he studies for a new career in firefighting.

VFL: Coburg V Essendon. Tayte Pears. Picture: Adam Elwood

TAYTE Pears is yet to decide whether to take up Essendon’s guaranteed contract next year as he studies for a new career in firefighting.

The injury-prone defender is one of a number of Essendon players yet to commit to the Bombers despite contracts expiring this year.

Essendon has offered all of its players out of contract the same deals they would have fulfilled in 2016 if not banned by WADA.

It means Pears, Brent Stanton, David Myers and Ben Howlett all have contract offers but are yet to commit.

Pears has been unable to lock down a starting position, but if either Michael Hurley or Cale Hooker leave he becomes important to the back six.

While he serves his ban he is working through his firefighting exams and is keen to pursue that career.

A core group of Essendon players including Jobe Watson and David Myers remain angry with the club and are yet to decide whether to return.

That group includes Michael Hurley, but given his loyalty he is more likely to remain than depart for a rival.

Tim Watson said on Friday his son’s participation in training did not mean he would return to Essendon, saying he had not discussed it with Jobe.

Three Bombers have signalled their desire to return to the club.

Heath Hocking signed a one-year deal, Travis Colyer revealed he will return next season, and future captain Dyson Heppell also said he would return.

“I want nothing more than all 12 of us to come back and experience that success we all deserve,” Heppell said on Fox Footy’s AFL 360.

“No one is a lock at this stage bar Heath Hocking who signed on earlier and we see Travvy (Colyer) coming on earlier which is great.”