Essendon are understood to be weighing up a move for former Hawthorn senior coach Alastair Clarkson.

Current Bombers coach Ben Rutten is contracted to the Dons until the end of next year, however has failed to steer his side clear of a disastrous 2022 campaign off the back of a promising finals finish last season - his first year at the helm.

Across two seasons with Essendon, Rutten has amassed a record of 17 wins and 26 losses, with their most recent outing a ghastly 84-point defeat at home to Port Adelaide.

The loss, Essendon's 14th of the season, has only strengthened the club's chances of a bottom five finish this year, an almost unprecedented result following their promising finish to last season.

In the wake of reports stating president Paul Brasher has resigned from his post at Tullamarine, attention has quickly turned to Rutten's future with the Bombers.

Brasher has been a key figure in showing support for Rutten, a safety net that now looks to have been removed at Bomberland.

Now, according toย AFL Media'sย Damian Barrett, the Bombers are mulling over a potential move for Clarkson.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 21: Alastair Clarkson, coach of the Hawks,
looks on during the round 14 AFL match between the Sydney Swans and the Hawthorn Hawks at the Sydney Cricket Ground on June 21, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

It is understood a board meeting on Monday could raise the concept of making a "formal approach" to the four-time premiership coach.

Clarkson has been heavily linked with a long-term deal with North Melbourne, while the mastermind mentor has also held multiple discussions with GWS.

Both vacancies come 12 months after Clarkson's departure from Hawthorn, with the 54-year-old flagging his desire to potentially step back into a coaching role after a year away from the AFL.

The Roos have been touted as the front-runner to land Clarkson's services, having placed all their attention on the coaching great with no search committee appointed as of yet.

The Giants have also looked to impress Clarkson, while Demons assistant Adem Yze is in the frame to land the position in Sydney's west.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 25: Bombers head coach Ben Rutten looks dejected after losing the round six AFL match between the Essendon Bombers and the Collingwood Magpies at Melbourne Cricket Ground on April 25, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

A decision from Clarkson was flagged to transpire as early as this week, with all signs pointing to North Melbourne. However, Essendon's reported interest could throw a spanner in the mix.

Essendon will look to earn back plaudits this weekend as they conclude their 2022 season against Richmond at the MCG, currently placed with a 7-14 record from 21 games.