Essendon have welcomed another banned Bomber back into their AFL fold, the club signing midfielder Ben Howlett to a one-year deal.

Howlett’s decision to rejoin Essendon when his doping ban expires leaves skipper Jobe Watson and Tayte Pears as the only suspended players yet to announce their intentions for next year.

The Bombers signed star defender Michael Hurley last week to a five-year deal, while Michael Hibberd informed the club of his desire to start afresh elsewhere.