Essendon is hoping midfield pair Brent Stanton and Jake Melksham will commit to new deals soon.

The pair has yet to sign on for next season.

Stanton has played 248 games for the Bombers since making his debut in 2004.

“Hopefully we’ll get it resolved soon,” List and Recruiting Manager Adrian Dodoro said.

“He’s an Essendon boy, he’s been an absolute pleasure to have at our footy club.

“I’m sure he’ll end up pretty high up in the best and fairest this year, so hopefully we can resolve it as soon as possible.”

Stanton averaged 30 possessions per game across the last two months of the season.

Melksham played 18 games in 2015..

The 24 year old made his debut in 2010 and has played 114 games for the Club.

“There is a contract on the table, he’s having a bit of a think about it," Dodoro said.

“I think this week we’ll know where that one is going.

“We’re hoping he stays at the Bombers.”

Essendon has stated its intention to bolster its midfield depth after winning six games in 2015.

One midfielder who may be available is Harley Bennell who is set to be traded from Gold Coast.

“We’ll do our due diligence, no doubt, like every other club will do,” Dodoro said.

“There is a lot of work that will have to go in to work out if he will be a good fit for us.

“It comes down to if he would be a good fit and also what you’d have to give up to get him. 

“We wouldn’t be giving up early draft selections so that probably wipes us out straight away.”