Essendon’s AFL pre-season games will go ahead as planned.

But details remain scant of how it will work.

It is understood as many as 25 players will sit out Essendon’s first two NAB Challenge games to protect the anonymity of those facing charges at the AFL anti-doping tribunal.

Essendon’s first pre-season game is against St Kilda on March 7 in Morwell.

“We have great sympathy with the players who are facing a difficult time, but we are confident that the club can deliver a good team for the NAB Challenge,” AFL operations manager Mark Evans said in a statement.

“We especially want to assure the people of Morwell that the AFL is delighted to be hosting a game in their community on March 7.”

The AFL said in a statement on Friday afternoon that it would continue to consult with the players’ association and the Bombers on list management issues.

The verdicts surrounding the long-running Essendon supplements scandal will likely be known in late March.

About 18 current Essendon players are said to be involved in the hearing.

If they are found guilty, playing in the NAB Challenge would mean they could not backdate any suspensions to late last year.

Essendon said earlier this week they would need up to 20 top-up players for their opening pre-season game on March 7 against St Kilda in Morwell.

Bombers chief executive Xavier Campbell said the club wanted to play the games as scheduled.

“We’re continuing to work with the AFL around what participation in the NAB (Challenge) looks like,” he said.

“It’s obviously been a really difficult and complicated issue.

“It’s not as black and white as playing and not playing.

“Our preference is obviously to play.”

He said there were complicated issues surrounding the top-up players.

Campbell also hit back at Carlton coach Mick Malthouse and Collingwood counterpart Nathan Buckley.

The pair called on the AFL to be strong in their negotiations with Essendon.

Campbell said Essendon did not comment on what happened at other clubs.

“When you don’t have the inside information, you make misguided comments,” he said.

Campbell was hopeful there would be a resolution “sooner rather than later”.

Essendon also play GWS in Sydney on March 13 and then Melbourne on March 20 at Etihad Stadium.

Former Essendon players Angus Monfries and Patrick Ryder (now at Port Adelaide) and Stewart Crameri (Western Bulldogs) will also reportedly sit out the NAB Challenge as they await their anti-doping tribunal verdicts.