ESSENDON is "very close" to signing key players Patrick Ryder and Michael Hurley to new deals at the club.

That's the message from coach James Hird, who said on Friday that though the star pair has yet to officially commit to new contracts at the club, it appears only a matter of time.

"They're not signed and across the line yet but all indications show that we're very close to getting their signatures," Hird said.

"I know that negotiations have started with Paddy and I know that Paddy is very keen to stay here if we can get the right deal done.

"I'm not sure exactly where the negotiations are at but it would be great if he does sign soon and to have Michael and also Patrick sign at Essendon is a big bonus for us."

Hird said it was important for the club to tie up Hurley and Ryder early in the year, particularly given Essendon has more than 20 players coming out of contract at the end of 2012.

"I think it's a really big tick for what the club's doing at the moment both on and off the field," he said.

"With our new facility, growing membership and now our players showing allegiance to us, I think the club's going in the right direction.

"Once Paddy and Michael are done, I know there's discussions that have started with other players now and we'll move along and keep making sure our players stay motivated and stay committed to Essendon."

Hurley and Ryder seem set to spearhead Essendon's forward line as it makes its push up the ladder, and Hird said Ryder, after six seasons at the Bombers, was ready to take the next step as an AFL footballer.

"I don't like to use the word star, but he (Ryder) is a definite star of the AFL in the making," Hird said.

"He's played some incredible football at times. Consistency is something we're working on with him and if that consistency comes, and when it does come this year, he's one of the top players in the AFL.

"We're banking a lot on Michael and Patrick and them being excellent players in the AFL. We need them to be those players."

The duo will face the Brisbane Lions on Saturday at Visy Park in the final hit-out before the home and away season. Hird said the chosen team was close to the squad that is likely to face North Melbourne in round one, with several others pressing their claims in a VFL practice match on Saturday.

Speedy forward Jason Winderlich made his return from a knee reconstruction last week against the Sydney Swans, but won't play this weekend. The 27-year-old remains a possibility to face the Kangaroos, and was running laps at training.

"Jason's still just a little bit sore after the game on the weekend and you've got to be careful with his knee," Hird said.

"His knee reconstruction was more serious than Courtenay's (Dempsey) and had a lot more damage around the knee. Jason's on track to play round one or round two so there's no doubts there, but we always planned to take him very slowly."

Callum Twomey covers Essendon news for AFL.com.au and essendonfc.com.au. Follow him on Twitter at @AFL_CalTwomey

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