Essendon's search for a new coach has officially begun following the sacking of Ben Rutten on Sunday afternoon, with the former Bombers coach having spent just two seasons in the top job at Tullamarine.
Rutten's exit continues what has been a tumultuous decade for the club, with the Bombers now seeking an experienced coach to help put a stop to their graceless fall down the ladder.
Alastair Clarkson has now committed to North Melbourne, while the Giants are set to announce their new coach in the coming days, leaving Essendon, and those conducting an external review into the club, a difficult task to find their next coach.
With time not on their side to find a suitable candidate prior to the trade and draft period, Zero Hanger has had a look at who the most likely candidates are for the top job.
4. Ken Hinkley
The current Port Adelaide coach has found his name thrown in the coaching conversation, despite being contracted to the Power until the conclusion of 2023.
Port failed to qualify for the eight this year after a preliminary final appearance in 2021, adding further pressure to Hinkley's position in the top job.
Despite Port president David Koch remaining adamant that Hinkley will be senior coach next season, the Bombers will surely be putting in a call to sound out the future of the 55-year-old.
