ESSENDON has approached Fremantle's general manager of player management Brad Lloyd to become the club’s general manager of football.
AFL.com.au understands the brother of Bombers great Matthew Lloyd has so far resisted overtures to take on the job.
It’s believed the Bombers are in the midst of interviewing as many as four candidates for the role but Lloyd is not one of them.
However, it’s understood key figures at Essendon have sounded out Lloyd for the position and are hopeful he can be talked around.
Members of the existing football department are not involved in the recruitment process, which is being managed by chief operating officer Xavier Campbell.
The position is a critical role as the Bombers looks to recover in the aftermath of the supplements scandal that wrecked its 2013 season.
Under a new structure, interim coach Mark Thompson - and then James Hird, when he returns - will report to the football general manager.
Because of past failings, it’s understood the Bombers are looking for a serious administrator with football experience.
It’s believed the club is keen to avoid opting for a traditional football manager who might, as has happened in the past, become entrenched within the culture and unable to lead as effectively.
An investigation conducted by former Telstra chief Ziggy Switkowski concluded "there was a lack of clarity about who was in charge" under the previous regime.
"There were two separate roles, with fuzzy lines of responsibility. The responsibilities of two key staff overlapped, and the new fitness team was able to largely ignore their attempts at direct management. Added to this is a senior coach in his first coaching role," the Switkowski report read.
"The position of GM, football operations, is an especially difficult one given subordinates and peers, eg coaches, can be charismatic alpha males who carry the weight of supporters' expectations on their shoulders. But this is a critical appointment requiring a strong capable individual who has the respect of the football staff and the support of the CEO."
Having been suspended by the AFL Commission, former football boss Danny Corcoran later resigned from the club.
Lloyd joined Fremantle in 2008 and currently leads the club’s recruiting and list management operations, but is not entrenched in the day-to-day running of the football department.
The 38-year-old played 11 AFL games for Hawthorn and had a successful VFL career with Williamstown.
He is seen as a key part of Freo's strategy team, and AFL.com.au understands he would be content with staying put.
Essendon is still waiting for the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority to finalise its report into the club’s supplements regime.
Outgoing ASADA chief executive Aurora Andruska told a Senate hearing in Canberra on Wednesday
the investigation into AFL matters was complete and the body was now reviewing all the evidence it had gathered.
Former Federal Court judge Garry Downes is expected to review the evidence and determine whether further action should be taken.
