Essendon Chairman Paul Little has welcomed the outcome of today’s directions hearing in the Federal Court.

Little said Friday’s final directions hearing would further finalise details around the trial set down for August 11.

“Today was a very productive day for the Club and the playing group as we worked through most of the issues,” Little said.

“The discovery process is almost finalised and we think that Friday’s hearing will see the end to that process so we can look forward to the actual court case on August 11.”

“There was further debate today by all parties about whether the players should or could be joined.”

“It is a very complex matter, one that legal teams are working through and the judge has asked all parties to confer and come to the final directions hearing with a solution that suits all parties.”

Little said the players remained the club’s number one priority in the ongoing process.

“At this point in time the players continue to be our top priority,” he said.

“We had a good parent meeting with our legal team and the AFLPA’s legal team at the club on Monday night. These meetings continuing to be well received by the parents which is some what encouraging.”

“They are very interactive sessions and in our most recent session the parents continued to confirm the comfort they get form the meetings.”