Team building will form a key component of the early stages of Essendon’s pre-season.

The Bombers will welcome back at least nine senior players, in addition to the usual batch of draftees.

There is also the possibility of landing additional players via free agency or the trade period. 

Maintaining the teamwork and cohesion that saw the Bombers win two of their last three games will be a priority for the coaching group.

“We’re going to have a fairly early pre-season camp which will really focus on a lot of the team building activity,” Essendon’s General Manager of Football Operations, Rob Kerr told ABC Grandstand on Sunday.

“Just opportunities to build relationships and make that reintegration as smooth as we can.

“We need to speak to the players coming back and get their input into that as well. 

“We’re very optimistic about the year ahead and very happy to see the suspended players returning and get back into the groove of being an Essendon footballer.”

Jobe Watson is the only player of the 12 yet to declare their hand for next season.

"I think we'll know when Jobe knows ... we're happy to give him that time," Kerr said.

"It's been a big saga, he's clearly got things he wants to reconcile in his own mind and we're happy to let him do that in his own time.

"So the conversation continues but we'd very much like to see him come back.

"Jobe's probably borne the largest load through this whole saga, being the captain of the club, and obviously the Brownlow is tied in with everything as well.

"My understanding is that he's not 100 per cent clear on what his decision is at the moment and if he needs more time we're happy to give him that."

The players who have announced they’re returning to the Club next season began walking back in through the club's doors last week.

“It's been really pleasing to see the boys come back to the club it's obviously been a long and difficult year for those players and also their teammates have missed them as well," Kerr said.

"With the exception of Jobe they were able to come and use the facilities and train this week but we're actually getting them all back in next week for medicals. 

“We’re really pleased to see them and we’re looking forward to the year ahead.

"Just on first sight most of them look to be in pretty good condition ... certainly none of the players I ran into looked like they were carrying any extra weight."