ESSENDON "remain optimistic" it will enter 2016 free of the supplements saga, as outgoing chairman Paul Little called on sections of the media to stop attacking the club.

Little addressed a crowd of more than 1300 guests at the Bombers' best and fairest count on Wednesday night and confirmed it will be his last such event in the position as he prepares to step down from the role.

As the Bombers continue their search for a new senior coach to replace James Hird, Little said the Bombers were hopeful 2015 would be the last season impacted by the scandal after three years in the spotlight.

"We remain optimistic that the WADA appeal process and outcome will be completed by year's end, allowing our players, coaches, staff, supporters, the new chairman and the new senior coach the chance to finally move on from the events of the past three years," Little said.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport hearing on the 34 past and present Essendon players will begin on November 16 in Sydney, and is expected to last between five and seven days.

Little said the club's succession planning had been in place for the past two years to allow "the right candidate" to take over the chairmanship once the ASADA/WADA investigation was completed.

He thanked AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan and Commission chairman Mike Fitzpatrick for their efforts in establishing a better relationship between the club and League, but hit out at elements of the media for their coverage of the fallout.

"I know fans of other football clubs want the ASADA matter to be resolved to allow us all to move on as soon as possible," Little said.

"To the football media, we appreciate they do have a job to do and they play an important role covering our great game.

"The majority of you have been fair and balanced and we thank you for that.

"Others, however, have turned this story into something more personal and it is now time for you to stop your recycling of half-truths and irrelevant facts and give the Essendon Football Club and the AFL industry clear air so everyone, other than you, can get on with their lives."

Little paid tribute to ex-coach James Hird, who departed the club in August following Essendon's 112-point loss to Adelaide.

Hird was not in attendance at the Crown Palladium as he is travelling overseas, but Little thanked the premiership captain for his "incredible contribution" to Essendon.

"James is a legend of our club and a legend of the AFL. He will always be a part of the Essendon family and will always be welcome at Essendon," Little said.

Little reiterated the club's hopes to appoint Hird's successor in October, with a number of other key announcements set to be made in coming weeks.

The Bombers' internal football department review will be released with recommendations from CEO Xavier Campbell and consultant Neale Daniher.

The club will set a three-year strategic plan and vision for the club, which will be announced at the members forum in October, and the Bombers are also close to confirming details for the next stage of their development at their Tullamarine base.

Sponsors Antler and Toll have also renewed their deals for 2016.

"I firmly believe the foundations have been laid for our club to prosper again, both on and off the field and in the near future," Little said.

"Our aim is to make our people proud and to be the most respected, successful and inclusive club in Australian sport."