Essendon banned players: Which Bombers have re-signed?

HOW many of Essendon's banned players will return in season 2017? Check in on the latest contract status of all 12 banned Bombers.

Dyson Heppell has been earmarked as Essendon’s next captain

ESSENDON was confident each of its 12 banned players would return to the club to play in 2017 - and the Bombers nearly pulled it off.

10 of the current Essendon-listed players suspended for the 2016 season will make their return in red and black next season following the announcement Jobe Watson will play on in 2017.

Here’s where the Bombers 12 stand.

DYSON HEPPELL

In a major coup for the Bombers, Heppell is contracted until the end of 2020. The man widely believed to be their next captain could have received big money offers to play somewhere else but will honour his contract.

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.

Dyson Heppell has been earmarked as Essendon’s next captain

MICHAEL HURLEY

High on the recruiter radar of a number of rival club including the Western Bulldogs and Collingwood, Hurley couldn't imagine not playing with his Essendon mates and signed a five-year deal. A Bomber until at least the end of 2022.

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

After training with his banned teammates this year, Howlett shunned rival interest and signed a one-year deal with Essendon for next season.

Jobe Watson’s future remains up in the air.

BRENT STANTON

The 30-year old weighed up whether to continue his career before signing a one-year deal with Essendon.

TAYTE PEARS

The injury-plagued defender will not return to the Bombers next year after announcing his retirement from AFL football earlier this month. He will pursue a career as a firefighter.

TOM BELLCHAMBERS

The big ruckman inked a one-year deal to return to Essendon after his manager Shane Casley told the Herald Sun: “He has had opportunities to leave and he’s been very loyal. My gut feel is that wouldn’t change now.”

MICHAEL HIBBERD

Hibberd will not return to Essendon after confirming speculation he wants out and had requested a trade. The defender wants to play for the Demons under former Essendon assistant coach, now Melbourne senior coach Simon Goodwin.

JOBE WATSON

The last of the 12 current Essendon-listed players to decide his playing future, Watson confirmed today he will play on with the Bombers in 2017 in a major win for the club.