Annual blood testing and general physical examinations for every former and current Essendon footballer involved in the 2011-12 supplements program.

Testing to start at the end of this AFL season and continue for a minimum of five years.

The involvement of a similar-sized "control" group.

The appointment of a steering committee, comprising independent experts plus representatives of the AFL, AFLPA and Essendon, to determine what participants should be monitored for and for how long. In a written statement to Fairfax, Essendon’s chief operating officer Xavier Campbell said the club was committed to the health monitoring and in “the final stages of working towards an agreement”. Privately, however, the AFLPA has been mystified – and for a considerable time – as to why the Bombers’ hierarchy has not already fully committed to what was outlined at the beginning of this year. When Matt Finnis resigned as AFLPA boss in April to become CEO of St Kilda, he left the post feeling impatient about the matter. Others involved in the drafting of the health-monitoring proposal that remain at the AFLPA, meanwhile, remain incredulous about the time that has lapsed since the Bombers received what is understood to be a fairly uncomplicated, albeit highly significant, pitch.

Responding, on Friday morning, to Fairfax Media’s report about the considerable delay since the submission of a health monitoring program for players was made to Essendon, AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan said the matter should be prioritised. McLachlan told 3AW radio: “We’ve said, from the very start, one of the two priorities here is the health and welfare of the players. “I think everyone accepts that in an environment where players are still not sure what they got, that their health long-term is critical. “I don’t think it [the health monitoring program] is finalised, but that’s something that needs to be completed as a priority.” Essendon would not say this week whether it intends to fund the health-monitoring program entirely, but that is the expectation of the players' association.

The AFL declined to comment on the question of funding but acknowledged Essendon's receipt of the proposal and an understanding that while an in-principle agreement for a health-monitoring program of some sort had been reached, the finer elements were yet to be resolved. Essendon’s Campbell said: “In conjunction with the AFL and AFLPA, we are in the final stages of working towards an agreement as to the form the medical monitoring takes, who is involved, what is assessed and how it can be achieved in a manner that is convenient for players both now and in the future.” Harcourt and AFLPA representatives involved in drafting what would be a voluntary program agreed annual tests should start when current players undergo their standard medical checks at the end of this season. The home-and-away rounds conclude in nine weeks. The AFLPA and Harcourt also submitted in the written proposal that monitoring should continue beyond five years if such a recommendation is made by experts. High in the consideration of all parties – in addition to the current and retired footballers implicated – are concerned family members who have been counselled throughout the ordeal. It is understood some have specifically asked about the status of plans for the medical monitoring.

While many Essendon players have indicated publicly that they do not feel concerned about potential side effects from the injection program, others have expressed uncertainty. Retired former Bomber Sam Lonergan said in March: “At this stage there is obviously some sort of fear, but whether that is really fear or whether that is because you are over-thinking it, we don’t know.” To date, ASADA has issued 34 "show cause" notices to footballers who participated in a program that Ziggy Switkowski – called in by the Bombers last year to independently review the situation – said took place in a "pharmacologically experimental environment never adequately controlled or challenged or documented". ASADA, in its continuing probe, has built a case that banned drug Thymosin beta 4 was administered to players in the program, but the use of myriad other questionable substances has also been raised in the process. The “notice of charge” document released by the AFL last August and used by the league to sanction the club stated it was "reasonably likely" some Essendon players were administered Thymosin beta 4.

Loading The same document alleged 34 players were injected with an amino acid compound sourced from a chemist in Mexico and bought – without a prescription – by a Melbourne man suffering from muscular dystrophy. According to those involved in the legal defence of Essendon players, not one player with a notice believes he was administered Thymosin beta 4.