Essendon are expected to make amendments to their football department at the end of this season, with key figures at the club potentially in the firing line following the Bombers' review.
The club announced a deep dive into how the off-field sector has functioned this season, with on-field results falling well below expectations to see the Victorian powerhouse club struggle to impact the finals race from the early stages of their home and away campaign.
While senior coach Ben Rutten won't see his tenure torn up at Tullamarine, members of his coaching box, list management strikeforce and the Bombers' top brass could be facing a nervous wait ahead of the off-season.
According to reporter Caroline Wilson, there is "genuine tension" between football boss Josh Mahoney and list guru Adrian Dodoro, while assistant Blake Caracella and CEO Xavier Campbell are also feeling the heat.
Speaking onย Footy Classified on Wednesday night, Wilson flagged mass changes are on the horizon at the Bombers, who have been tied to the bottom third of the AFL ladder for a majority of this season.
โThe reviewโs been done โฆ there will be changes,โ Wilson said.
โThe coach is safe, Ben Rutten will remain, there will be movement beneath Ben Rutten.
โIโm told there are still real problems there, we know Xavier Campbell is still under the pump.
โThere is some genuine tension between Adrian Dodoro and Josh Mahoney, which is disappointing.
โIโm not sure where Blake Caracella is going to be next year. He also has a rock solid two years left on a highly paid contract, but he will definitely be in a different role next year if heโs there at all.โ
Despite the club's struggles this season, Campbell had his contract with Essendon extended for a further two years, a decision that gained scrutiny from Bombers fans particularly.
Campbell took on the role of chief executive at Essendon in 2014, while Dodoro has been with the Bombers for two decades - a span that includes an 18-year run without a finals win.
An improved run of form has seen Essendon gain some plaudits ahead of the season's end, but their impressive run was undone by recent losses to GWS and Collingwood.
They'll host Port Adelaide at Marvel Stadium this Sunday before concluding their campaign against Richmond the following Saturday.
