The All-Australian selections of Michael Hibberd, Paddy Ryder and Michael Hurley have highlighted the mixed AFL fortunes for past and present Essendon players returning from doping bans.

Of the 34 players suspended for a year over their involvement in the Bombers 2012 supplements program, 16 returned to the AFL in 2017.

One variable has emerged as particularly important in determining the success of their comebacks: age.

Bomber Hurley, Port Adelaide’s Ryder and Melbourne defender Hibberd are in their mid-late 20s.

By contrast, the year off was timed poorly for players over 30.

HOW PAST AND PRESENT BOMBERS RETURNING FROM DOPING BANS FARED IN 2017

HITS:

Michael Hibberd (Melbourne): Named All-Australian back pocket after starring as a rebounding defender. Led the Demons for kicks in 2017.

Michael Hurley (Essendon): Had a slow start to the year but played 20 games to earn the All-Australian centre half-back berth.

Paddy Ryder (Port Adelaide): Got the nod as the All Australian ruckman for his tireless work around the ground.

Jake Melksham (Melbourne): The 26-year-old averaged 17 touches playing in a variety of roles.

Tom Bellchambers (Essendon): Played 13 games. Influential in the Bombers’ run to the finals as their No.1 ruckman.

Cale Hooker (Essendon): Struggled as a key forward at times but kicked 41 goals to provide good support to main man Joe Daniher.

Jake Carlisle (St Kilda): Emerged as the Saints’ main key defender. Has a bright future as a 25-year-old.

Dyson Heppell (Essendon): Not the best of his six seasons but still averaged 26.5 touches.

MISSES:

Brent Stanton (Essendon): The 31-year-old spent most of the season in the VFL before announcing his retirement.

Heath Hocking (Essendon): Also mostly languished in the reserves, playing two AFL games. The 29-year-old has played only seven senior matches in three years.

Ben Howlett (Essendon): In and out of the side having failed to lock down a spot. He and Hocking are both off-contract.

Angus Monfries (Port Adelaide): In stark contrast to teammate Ryder, a cloud hangs over the 30-year-old’s future after injuries and form limited him to one game this season. Overtaken by the Power’s young forward brigade.

Stewart Crameri (Western Bulldogs): Played two games early but was ruled out for the season in May for surgery to treat persistent hip soreness.

BORDERLINE:

Jobe Watson (Essendon) Picked up more than 23 disposals a game but admitted to struggling with the pace of the game. Had to be rested twice and has now retired.

Travis Colyer (Essendon): Output not huge but played all but one game.

David Myers (Essendon) Averaged 19 touches in the midfield from 14 games.