Essendon list manager Adrian Dodoro believes the club is ‘not far away’ from re-signing big man Tom Bellchambers despite offers from rival clubs.

Bellchambers is one of a number of Bombers out of contract but has previously stated his desire to remain in the red and black.

“Obviously Tom Bellchambers is out of contract and I am extremely optimistic that we can get that one done,” Dodoro said.

“We are not far away at all in talking with his management.”

The club has increased its offer to key forward Stewart Crameri with a three-year offer put to the 25-year-old this week.

“Stew Crameri has indicated all the way through that he would prefer to stay with us and we have offered him a three year deal,” Dodoro said.

“We have increased our offer but he does have a monster offer put in front of him from a rival club.”

“We need to respect that and he needs to make a decision.”

Tayte Pears, Jason Winderlich, Kyle Hardingham, Scott Gumbleton and Travis Colyer all still remain out of contract.

Dodoro said it was not unusual to be waiting on players to re-sign at this time of the year.

“It is normal business practice at this time of the year that there are a few balls up in the air so there is nothing we need to be alarmed about,” he said.

“The team did improve dramatically this year winning fourteen games and therefore it became a very settled line up and if you look at our VFL team from week to week there were a number of big name players playing in our VFL team.”

“As a result, there are some players that might be looking for further opportunities.”