Essendon last week announced a $9.8 million loss that factored in compensation claims for 34 past and present players.

A small number of claims are still yet to be agreed to after the Slater and Gordon deal.

“All issues in these 18 cases have been agreed in-principle and subject to the paperwork now being satisfactory and being executed by our clients, the matters will be formally resolved in the next several days,” Class action lawyer Patrick Gordon said.

“These players were innocent participants in the supplements program. They were given assurances that all supplements they were receiving had been approved from people who they thought they could trust.

“No player at any time intended to breach their obligations under the AFL Anti-Doping Code and any such breach that occurred was due to the players being misled about the nature of the supplements they received.

“They now hope to move on with their lives and careers, both within and outside the AFL.

“The negotiations with the Essendon Football club have been complex and we acknowledge the constructive approach of the Essendon Football Club and in particular, its CEO Xavier Campbell in resolving these matters.”