Tom Bellchambers set to become latest banned Bombers to commit to Essendon

TOM Bellchambers is set to become the fourth member of Essendon’s banned 12 to recommit to the club.

Essendon v Sydney Bombers Tom Bellchambers & Mike Pike Picture:Wayne Ludbey

TOM Bellchambers is set to become the fourth member of Essendon’s banned 12 to recommit to the club.

The Bombers ruckman has had multiple chances to leave Essendon in recent years but has repeatedly decided to stay.

His move comes amid news the banned former Bombers at other clubs are likely to remain unpaid until they reach a final settlement with the club.

The Herald Sun understands an earlier plan for Essendon to pay the players a percentage of their salaries became complicated when the club’s insurance company became involved.

The affected players are Jake Carlisle (St Kilda); Jake Melksham (Melbourne); Stewart Crameri (Western Bulldogs); Angus Monfries and Paddy Ryder (both Port Adelaide), although it is believed Crameri is being paid by the Bulldogs.

The club and other parties are believed to be comfortable with the situation.

The wider compensation talks — which involve several law firms representing different groups of players — are said to be progressing positively.

The club is hopeful all compensation matters can be settled out of court within the next few months.

Tom Bellchambers has had his injury worries throughout his career. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

Bellchambers’ manager Shane Casley said he believed his client would return to Essendon next year.

“Tommy has been doing some training with the group. It’s good for him to freshen up a bit,” he said.

“We will sit down over the next month or so and have a chat about where his head is at.

“He has had opportunities to leave and he’s been very loyal. My gut feel is that wouldn’t change now.”

Dyson Heppell, the club’s likely captain next year, said last week he wanted to return along with all 12 banned players.

Heath Hocking has also re-signed for an extra year, with Travis Colyer open to talks on a long-term deal despite rival interest.

Essendon chief executive Xavier Campbell said last week he understood if players didn’t want to come back, but hoped they would return to the fold.

All 34 players have appealed the Court of Arbitration for Sport decision which saw them effectively banned for 12 months for the use of the peptide Thymosin Beta-4.

The appeal to the Swiss Federal Supreme Court, is to be decided on written submissions, with a judgment expected midyear.

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