MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 4: Brad Scott, Senior Coach of the Kangaroos looks on during the North Melbourne Kangaroos training session at Arden St on December 4, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)

The Bombers are immediately searching for a replacement for sacked footy boss Dan Richardson.

And according to the Herald Sun with former, North Melbourne coach Brad Scott is one of their "top targets".

Scott coached North Melbourne for 10 seasons before his departure mid-season last year, with the Dons believing his hard-nosed approach is what the club needs going forward.

Since his departure, Scott has been working with the AFL in Steve Hocking's football operations team up until August.

Since then, Scott became the head of AFL Victoria in August as part of the league's cost-cutting restructure.

This comes after Essendon made the first move in new president Paul Brasher’s thorough review, sacking football boss Dan Richardson.

Richardson came across from Richmond to Windy Hill at the end of the 2017 season, but since then the results have been dwindling, with the Bombers only playing Finals once since his arrival.

Essendon finished 13th in 2020, and face three of their best 22 players walking out of the club, with Joe Daniher, Adam Saad and Orazio Fantasia all set to be in new colours in 2021.

Essendon’s chief executive Xavier Campbell told the Herald Sun that the timing is right for the position to change hands.

“The football department requires an experienced leader to oversee the next critical stage of our football program’s growth and provide important support to Ben Rutten, who we have great confidence in as our senior coach.” he said.

Richardson said that since he’s been in tenure, the club is heading in the right direction.

“I believe the current coaches and football staff that have been brought into the club over the last three years puts this football program on the right path for future success.” He said.