Any Essendon player who was hypothetically successful in appealing their 12-month doping ban still might not be allowed to play this season, says the AFL.

The 34 players affected by the ban have until February 10 to launch an appeal, with many still reportedly considering that option.

AFL operations boss Mark Evans was asked on 3AW what would happen if the 12 banned players still on the Bombers’ list were suddenly cleared mid-season, given the club has been recruiting top-up players and also been granted salary cap exemptions.

Dwayne Russell questioned whether it would be fair for the club to have almost 60 players on its list.

While clear to point out it was only a hypothetical, Evans conceded it had the potential to create complications.

‘I don’t think you could ever deliver an advantage like that,’ he said on Sports Today.

Click PLAY below to hear Mark Evans discuss the issue on Sports Today.

But law graduate Chris Kaias has followed the Essendon case closely and said it was unlikely that situation would ever eventuate for the AFL to deal with.

‘It would be very difficult to appeal,’ he said.

Thanks to the @3AWSportsToday guys for inviting me on.

For anyone who hasn’t read it the post I was speaking about: https://t.co/UhedVHOh5o

? Chris Kaias (@ChrisKaias) February 3, 2016

Mr Kaias has written a detailed report on the CAS verdict.

‘It’s worth reading,’ Gerard Healy said.

Click PLAY below to hear Chris Kaias break down a few issues.