MIDFIELDER Ben Howlett has become the ninth banned Bomber to commit to returning to Essendon next year after agreeing to a one-year contract extension.

The 27-year-old had been assessing his options for 2017 after being offered a one-year deal by the club earlier this year which contained a trigger clause to go on in the 2018 season.

It is understood the West Australian had some rival interest to consider, but he has chosen to stick with the Bombers. 

Howlett joins Michael Hurley, Brent Stanton, Tom Bellchambers, Dyson Heppell, Cale Hooker, David Myers, Travis Colyer and Heath Hocking as the suspended Bombers who will return to the club next year.

Michael Hibberd has informed the club he will seek a trade at October's exchange period and looks headed for Melbourne, leaving captain Jobe Watson and defender Tayte Pears as the only banned Bombers yet to confirm their plans for next year. 

The 117-gamer said he had followed Essendon's progress throughout this season and his conversations with coach John Worsfold had been pivotal in his decision to stay.

"From what I've witnessed and my discussions with 'Woosha' it's evident the team and club is forging something really exciting, and I’m extremely motivated to be a part of this," Howlett said.

"With my first child on the way I took the necessary time to determine what was best for my career and my family. In the end it was my strong bond with my teammates that made the decision easy.

"I would like to say a massive thank you to the Essendon members and supporters for their loyalty and ongoing support this season. They've not only rallied around me but my teammates which has been incredible."

Throughout the season Worsfold remained confident the Bombers would retain most, if not all, of the players serving suspensions. His optimism has been rewarded, with Watson now the major player left standing as he weighs up a return against retiring from football. 

Pears has been pursuing a career as a firefighter and may retire to take on that position full-time.