ESSENDON'S captain-in-waiting Dyson Heppell is about to launch an unprecedented legal claim against his club for more than $1 million in compensation stemming from the WADA suspension.

The claim is multi-layered and will cover loss of earnings related to his playing contract and impact of reputational damage. It is believed Heppell will also seek redress for loss of private sponsorships.

Heppell's claim will be the biggest faced by Essendon, which is bracing for 33 other compensation requests from the banned players.

The Bombers believe they are equipped to deal with players suing them and playing for them at the same time, though they are extremely nervous about the actions involving Heppell and key defender Michael Hurley. 

Hurley is attracting significant interest from other clubs. Should the 25-year-old choose to stay with Essendon it is likely he will seek to sign a fresh contract in the vicinity of $1 million per year - a figure that would be available to him from rivals.