The AFL has informed Malthouse that, since he is no longer coaching a club at any level, he can deal directly with the players without repercussions for the players or himself. Under the terms of their World Anti-Doping Agency suspensions, the 34 can train together, but cannot be prepared or coached by WADA-compliant sporting teams or officials. Coaches who are actively involved, at any level of Australian football competition, cannot assist the suspended players under the terms of the bans, or they also risk penalties for themselves and the players under the AFL anti-doping code.

Malthouse stressed that it was unclear whether it was feasible for him and Buttifant — who have set up a business together — to provide a program for suspended players during 2016, given the logistics involved, such as the need for a doctor and insurance to cover any injuries and training venues.

There is also a question about how such a program would be funded, since it could not be paid by Essendon, the AFLPA, or the AFL under the anti-doping rules. Most likely, the players would have to pay themselves.

But Malthouse, who coached three premierships and served four clubs in his 31-year coaching career, said he would "love" to help the suspended players — 17 of whom are still in the AFL and a dozen at Essendon — to prepare for 2017.

"If the opportunity arose, I would love to help get them to September-October." The vast majority of the 34 suspensions finish in November.