Essendon’s suspended players will move a step closer to resuming their football careers restriction-free this week, when they’re allowed to return to the Club’s training base.

From Wednesday the players will be allowed to use the facility but some restrictions remain in place until the full period of ineligibility comes to an end in November. 

For instance, the players won’t be allowed to participate in Club directed media, marketing, commercial or promotional activities during this restricted period. 

Essendon Chief Executive Xavier Campbell said the Club had been in regular communication with the AFL, who had in turn sought guidance from ASADA, regarding the parameters for the players return.

“It’s an important step and I’m sure the returning players will be excited to walk back into the Club again and continue their preparation for the 2017 season,” he said.

“With the majority of the playing group now on an extended break there will be no formal training sessions, but rather the players will be able to return to the Club at the times that suit them.

Essendon GM Football Rob Kerr said it was likely the players would continue to train as a group away from the Club until the end of the month. 

“Over the next couple of weeks they’ll undergo medical testing, speak to conditioning staff about their pre-season program and also receive an overview of the football program,” Kerr said.

“There are still a couple of months to go before the full suspension parameters are lifted so it’s important we respect the restrictions in place, but it will be exciting seeing the players around the Club on a more regular basis."

The full bans for the nine players who have declared their intention to return to the Bombers will be lifted on November 13.

Should Jobe Watson decide to return, his ban will end on November 21.