Chief executive Ian Robson today said he expects senior listed players Andrew Welsh and Adam McPhee to sign new deals soon.

 

""They are both required players and I am confident we will be able to resolve it (the contract negotiations) in a positive manner for both parties,"" he said on SEN today.

 

""Matthew Knights and Paul Hamilton together with Adrian Hickmott and Alan Richardson have just been away for a couple of weeks as has Dan Richardson who is Welsh's manager and Paul Connors who is Adam's manager so we haven't been able to get everyone around the table all at once.

 

""We'll do that early next week and I am confident we will get all those issues resolved.""

 

 

Robson refused to be drawn into media speculation that there were issues surrounding the lengths of the contracts.

 

""I don't want to get drawn into the specifics and there has been a lot of speculation around that,"" he said.

 

""I want them to stay as Essendon players to complete their career, whenever that might be, and I am confident we can resolve the matters that remain and get them signed up next week.""

 

All AFL clubs are required to have their squads finalised by 13th November in preparation for the 26th November NAB National Draft.

 

Robson also said the new player leadership structures would be implemented soon and a captain appointed. 

 

Pre-season training begins next week and includes two days of testing.