The 34 past and present Essendon players facing anti-doping bans will distance themselves from any further legal manoeuvring by the Bombers, with some now contemplating a deal with ASADA in a bid to accelerate their return to the AFL.

With embattled Essendon chairman Paul Little scheduled to face his rivals at a meeting of the 18 clubs on Monday, Fairfax Media understands lawyers for the 34 players will outline a series of choices and recommend the players move forward, regardless of Essendon's next move.

James Hird and (right) Paul Little after the court verdict on Friday. Credit:Getty Images

Little, whose decision to challenge the ASADA investigation into his club's drug program incurred the wrath of the other clubs - several of which were publicly critical - was expected to attend Monday's pre-Brownlow AFL meeting and attract some scrutiny from his peers, who are furious at the ongoing damage Essendon is inflicting upon the game.

Since Friday's Federal Court decision was handed down, it has also emerged: