Essendon list manager Adrian Dodoro has met several of the suspended 12 players, with uncertainty over the plans of critical key defenders Cale Hooker and Michael Hurley.

Fairfax Media understands Dodoro has met with a handful of players at a cafe in Port Melbourne, starting with unrestricted free agent Hooker and former captain Jobe Watson, as the club attempts to safeguard itself against players leaving at the end of the season.

In demand: Essendon's Cale Hooker. Credit:Pat Scala

Hooker has reportedly been offered a five-year deal with Fremantle to return home to Western Australia.

Defender Tayte Pears and ruckman Tom Bellchambers have also had individual meetings, as Dodoro works through the Essendon 12.