ESSENDON is set to announce Hawthorn premiership player Rick Ladson as its development coach.

The 27-year-old, who opted out of Tuesday's pre-season and rookie drafts despite Giants coach  Kevin Sheedy declaring his interest, will fill the role made vacant by new Bendigo Bombers coach Hayden Skipworth.

Essendon football manager Paul Hamilton confirmed to The Age that Ladson would join the club but a decision had not yet been made on whether he'd play with the Bendigo Bombers.

Ladson played 125 games for Hawthorn after being drafted from Bendigo in 2003, winning a premiership in 2008 before being delisted in October.