Essendon has begun the process of establishing a training regime to reintegrate its returning players.

The group can return to the Club as early as mid-September. 

Coach John Worsfold said work is already underway to put in place the best possible program to ease their transition back into the AFL environment. 

“Reintegrating 12 players who have been out of the game for a year – a couple of them missed a year of footy through injury even the year before – they’re things that we have to take into account,” he said.

“We’ve already started thinking about the reintegration process and about the timing of it.

“The players are allowed back in the Club in mid-September, so we’re already talking about how that looks and feels for them.”

All Australians Dyson Heppell and Cale Hooker, as well as Tom Bellchambers. Travis Colyer, Heath Hocking and David Myers have already stated their commitment to return.

Worsfold acknowledges there will eventually come a time where he needs an answer from the other players, but the Club will continue to allow the players to reach their own decision in their own time.

"There will be a timeline. We haven't set that yet, but obviously there will be a final date that we'll need to know in terms of our decision making, but that's still a fair way off," Worsfold said.

"Ultimately we do need to know what the squad will look like. When those decisions have to be made around our current list, we'll need to know what the intent is from the other guys. That's still a fair way off." 

Michael Hibberd has been the subject of recent speculation surrounding his playing future.

Worsfold said the defender is a big part of his plans.

“We’re really keen to have Michael here and part of what we’re building,” Worsfold said. 

“It’s going to be hugely exciting and he’ll look good in our backline next year.”