THE FUTURE of Essendon defender James Kelly remains undecided, but all the signs are pointing towards the veteran playing into a 16th season in 2017.

Kelly played 20 games for the Bombers this year after coming on board as a top-up player, and if his career continues, the 32-year-old will need just seven games to reach the magical 300-mark.

A three-time premiership star with Geelong until he retired at the end of 2015, Kelly is reportedly keen to keep playing, and Essendon are equally interested in him going around again.

But Kelly's manager Tom Petroro, from Stride Sports Management, told NAB AFL Trade Radio on Wednesday, that although both parties were heading in the same direction, the player's future remained up in the air.

"There's a little bit of uncertainty around the trade period and where James (Kelly) is at, but I'm reasonably confident he'll be playing next year," he said.

"Do they hold onto pick one or trade it out, and by trading it out, does that mean players are coming in?

"It's a relationship industry, so if we're honest, you'll get the honesty back (from the club)."

Kelly was the best of Essendon's top-up players this season, with his leadership vital in helping the young Bombers to three wins for the year.

He finished equal second with Joe Daniher in the Dons' B&F, won by Zach Merrett.

Petroro said Kelly was keen to use his experience to continue his on field role with the Bombers in the near future.

"James (Kelly) went in with his eyes wide open and knew what he was in for (last season)," he said.

"He really enjoyed his footy and the fact that there wasn't a lot of pressure on them.

"There was no expectation for them to win every week, and I think he enjoyed teaching the players.

"I see the relationships James built with young guys like Patrick Ambrose and Conor McKenna, to help them get better, and that gave him enough satisfaction each week."