HEATH Hocking has become the first of the 12 banned Essendon players to publicly commit to returning to the Bombers in 2017.

The club announced on Friday evening that Hocking had signed a contract extension ensuring he would again play for Essendon after completing a backdated two-year doping suspension that ruled him out of the entire 2016 season.

Hocking, who grew up supporting the Bombers, said he was always going to return to the club.

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"I'm an Essendon person through and through, and nothing could sway my passion for the football club,” Hocking said.

"I have a strong belief in the direction of the club, and I have no doubt once we move past the challenges of this season we will be well placed to achieve success.

"I hope the other boys feel the same way. It would be great to see them return to the club so we can continue on this journey we started together."

Hocking's re-signing leaves five of the banned Bombers uncontracted for 2017. They are Tayte Pears, Ben Howlett and prospective free agents David Myers, Tayte Pears and Cale Hooker.

West Australian Hooker, a 2015 All Australian, is sure to attract significant interest from opposition clubs seeking a versatile key position player.

The others – Jobe Watson, Dyson Heppell, Tom Bellchambers, Michael Hurley, Michael Hibberd and Travis Colyer – are already contracted until at least the end of 2017 but Hocking is the first to publicly commit to playing with the club next year.

Essendon list manager Adrian Dodoro said the club was determined to retain all 12 banned players, including

"Heath has always been a player who has put the Essendon Football Club first. His genuine love for the Essendon Football Club is clearly demonstrated through his decision to play on next season," Dodoro said.

"As a club we are committed to retaining all twelve players, we are in constant dialogue with their management and I remain confident that Heath will be the first of many to play on next season."