Bomber trio Bachar Houli, Leroy Jetta and Brent Stanton are all yet to re-commit to the club for next season, with each man the centre of trade talk.
The pursuit of a coach has been the club’s main goal in recent weeks, with Essendon powerbrokers eager to lock in a new coach by early October.
That decision is likely to have a bearing on the futures of those out-of-contract Bombers.
Jetta, who finished the season in sparkling fashion once shifted to the midfield, has been linked to the Gold Coast in recent weeks.
His manager, Colin Young, told afl.com.au he was still in negotiations with the club, with another meeting set later this week to discuss the 22-year-old’s future.
Houli appears the least likely to stay at Essendon.
Rival clubs will have noted his contract status at the Bombers, with the 22-year-old struggling to gain a regular senior game while under Matthew Knights.
Manager Nigel Carmody, of Elite Sports Properties, said Essendon’s new coach’s opinion of his client could determine whether Houli remained at Windy Hill.
“There’s still a bit more to be worked through ... from a list management perspective,” Carmody said.
“A few things need to fall into place in terms of the clubs’ position and also Bachar’s own wishes.”
Stanton, a veteran of 141 matches, is arguably the most pressing signature for Dons’ fans.
While he may be a target for the Suns, Bombers chief executive Ian Robson last month said Stanton would not be used as trade bait.
“Brent Stanton’s a required player and I certainly hope and believe we’ll be able to resolve any remaining issues very quickly,” Robson told SEN.
“[A trade is] not even on our radar because I know Brent wants to play here, we want him to play here. He’s a required player.”
