Clubs hit by suspensions to former Essendon players have been compensated with salary cap relief that could help them snare a big-name recruit next year.

In what has emerged as a silver lining for the Western Bulldogs, Port Adelaide, Melbourne and St Kilda, they will be able to boost their lists in readiness for the return of their banned recruits.

Compensation: Port Adelaide will receive salary cap relief for suspended ex-Don Angus Monfries Credit:Pat Scala

Those clubs were not permitted to sign top-up players and must get through the season without Paddy Ryder and Angus Monfries (Port Adelaide), Jake Carlisle (St Kilda) , Jake Melksham (Melbourne) , and Stewart Crameri (Bulldogs).

However, most or all of the money withheld from the players during their suspensions will be excluded from their salary cap, creating space they can use to shore up their existing list or target recruits.