Essnedon coach John Worsfold believes the club will have more information on whether the six players yet to commit to the club in 2017 will return next season in the coming week.
Worsfold said that "two or three" of the banned players, including Michael Hurley, are due back at training from overseas trips this week, which will give the two parties a chance to sit down and discuss future plans.
The former West Coast premiership player and coach said he firmly believes Hurley will choose to remain at Essendon next season.
“I haven’t really even considered (that any trade deal may need to be reached) because I’m confident we won’t even have to worry about that,” Worsfold said.
“Michael, I’m very confident will be playing for Essendon (next season).
“I’ve been involved in the game for a long time and the length of time (in making a decision) doesn’t always correlate to mean someone’s leaving. If you go back and do your data checks, I’d say the odds are still in our favour.
“Most of the boys are back training now. Two or three are due back this week, which Michael is one. That gives us the opportunity to progress things.”
The suspended players are permitted to return to the club to train two months prior to their bans officially ending.
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