AMID growing expectation that the AFL's Anti-Doping Tribunal hearing will take longer than first thought, Essendon will ask for permission to play its full squad during the NAB Challenge.

Up to 20 Essendon players are provisionally suspended after being issued with infraction notices by the AFL, but the Bombers hope the precedent that allowed Jobe Watson and Dustin Fletcher to play in last November's International Rules Series will enable players to take part in pre-season games.

The Bombers open their NAB Challenge campaign against St Kilda in Morwell on March 7, while the tribunal reconvenes on Tuesday.

Essendon CEO Xavier Campbell and AFL boss Gillon McLachlan will reportedly meet this week to discuss the issue.

In a statement on the club website, Campbell said, "We appreciate there are a number of outstanding questions relating to our players participating in the upcoming NAB Challenge pre-season competition.

"If the outcome of the AFL Anti-Doping Tribunal is still unknown and the players remain provisionally suspended, it is our understanding that the possibility of lifting a provisional suspension is at the discretion of the AFL Commission.

"Our priority is to ensure that the preparation of our players and planning for the 2015 season is not compromised in any way. We anticipate having further discussions with the AFL this week in relation to this matter."

On Monday coach James Hird said he was hopeful of having his full squad available for the three NAB Challenge matches.

"When the tribunal finishes, it finishes. There is not much we can do about that.

"It's not a concern for us. These guys have been dealing with it for two years and we certainly hope it will end soon."