Essendon remain optimistic of re-signing a number of out of contract stars with Tom Bellchambers, Stewart Crameri and Tayte Pears all expected to remain at the club.

The trio have all indicated their wish to stay at the Bombers however deals are yet to be finalised.

List manager Adrian Dodoro said the Bombers were confident of retaining the club’s out of contract players.

“We are continuing to work extremely hard to get all of our players who are out of contract to re-sign as soon as possible,” Dodoro told essendonfc.com.au.

“We are very optimistic about the prospects that the guys want to stay with our club and hope they will be able to put pen to paper shortly.”

Bellchambers and Pears have both previously indicated their desire to remain in the red and black beyond this season.

“My manager’s in constant talks with the footy club and hopefully we’ll get something done sooner rather than later,” Bellchambers said in late July.

“Hopefully the club realises the hard work I have put in and if I can keep playing consistent football hopefully the club realises that and can give me another contract,” Pears said in early July.

Crameri once again was the club’s leading goal kicker finishing the season with 30 goals after injury troubles limited him to 16 matches throughout 2013.

Discussion are continuing with veteran pair Jason Winderlich and Dustin Fletcher who are both looking likely to play on in 2014.