THE banned past and present Essendon players on AFL lists in 2016 are set to have their first group training session this week — but it won’t be under Mick Malthouse’s watchful eye.

Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge revealed on Tuesday that his suspended forward Stewart Crameri, as well as the 16 other AFL-listed players banned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, would train together this week.

Beveridge said the banned goalkicker’s welfare was a high priority for the club and that Crameri was keen to participate in any physical activities organised by the group.

“We’re just trying to mobilise a third party to get something going for Stewy, which we can’t really impact on,” Beveridge said.

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“It appears they’re going to have their first session later on in the week, so there’s something happening.

“Stewy’s keen to maintain his fitness base and get ready for the possibility that he might rejoin us if the appeal’s successful.”

Three-time premiership coach Malthouse earlier this month flagged a proposal that would see him run an organised training program for the 17 players through their year-long suspension away from their clubs.

Six of those players reportedly met with Malthouse at his house a week ago.

Stewart Crameri was one of the 34 past and present Essendon players suspended for 2016. Source: AAP

However the Bulldogs coach said he understood that Malthouse, who worked with Beveridge at Collingwood, wouldn’t be taking this week’s session.

“(Mick is) always a good man to lead, but the players are making that choice as I understand it and that’s driven by the Essendon boys, so whatever they decide will happen and we can’t really influence,” Beveridge said.

The AFL Players Association is still ascertaining the individual needs for the 17 players in question, meaning their training programs could differ. Specific details surrounding their training sessions are still to be confirmed.

All of the 34 past and present Bombers have committed to an appeal against their 12-month bans handed down by CAS, with a hearing date in Switzerland yet to be announced.

Beveridge said he was keen for Crameri to maintain his fitness levels during his time away from the Bulldogs.

“There are certain things that Stewy needs to improve on with his footy to prepare himself for when he comes back,” Beveridge said.

“We’ve been cognisant of the fact he’s already had a lay-off and we’ve quite anxious around the Players’ Association getting something ready for the group — the Essendon boys, Stewy and the boys from the other clubs — if they’re keen for them to train together, because it’s really the only group that they can train with.”