Former AFL executive Simon Lethlean could be set to run Essendon's football department after being overlooked for several club CEO roles.
The Bombers have confirmed Lethlean is a candidate to replace former football boss Rob Kerr, who last month stepped down to pursue other interests.
Lethlean resigned as the AFL's football operations manager in July amid revelations of an inappropriate relationship with a staffer.
The 42-year-old was widely expected to replace Steven Trigg as Carlton's chief executive but they instead appointed former Richmond official Cain Liddle.
Lethlean was also passed over for vacant CEO roles at Hawthorn and the Western Bulldogs but remains a chance to replace Gary Pert at Collingwood.
Essendon are yet to speak to Lethlean but chief executive Xavier Campbell said his experience could prove valuable.
"He is someone who will be on the radar for sure," Campbell told SEN radio on Wednesday.
"He is a pretty talented football person. He has got pretty significant football experience.
"We are literally just starting the formal piece of the process now ... hopefully it gets us to a point where we can feel comfortable to make a decision just before Christmas."
The Bombers have high hopes for 2018 after securing a trade for Jake Stringer, as well as Adam Saad and Devon Smith.
Campbell confirmed Essendon were also close to finalising a contract extension for Andrew McGrath, last year's No.1 draft pick.
The Bombers this week announced a $5.1 million profit for the 2017 financial year, a $15 million turnaround from the hefty operating loss they posted amid fallout from the club's supplements saga.
