MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 19: Power head coach Ken Hinkley looks on during the round 22 AFL match between the Western Bulldogs and the Port Adelaide Power at Mars Stadium on August 19, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Port Adelaide President David Koch shared some harsh words for the Essendon amid rumours they are targeting Ken Hinkley to replace Ben Rutten as coach.

During the sports report on Channel 7's Sunrise this morning, 'Kochie' was alerted to the rumour of Hinkley being approached by the Bombers to replace Rutten, in which he responded:

"Tell them they're dreaming!" Koch stated with laughter.

"Why would Ken want to go to a club like that, in such turmoil?

"Tell them they're dreaming!"

The comments follow a disastrous week at Tullamarine, with changes at board level as well as a ambitious effort to lure Alastair Clarkson to the club for the head coach role whilst Rutten was still at the helm.

The head coach position at Essendon became vacant on Sunday as the Bombers finally confirmed that Rutten would be sacked after a disastrous week at board level.

Essendon are now on the hunt for an 'experienced' coach, with Ross Lyon and James Hird having their names thrown into the ring, as well as Hinkley.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 21: Port Adelaide football club Chairman David Koch looks on during the round 14 AFL match between the Port Adelaide Power and the Western Bulldogs at Adelaide Oval on June 21, 2014 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Morne de Klerk/Getty Images)

Hinkley still has one year remaining on his contract, and with Port Adelaide missing the top eight this year, it is likely 2023 could be his last chance to achieve something with the club.

President David Koch guaranteed earlier this month that Hinkley will be at the club next season, even though the club failed to make finals this year.

"As we always do, we'll thoroughly assess our football program at season's end," he said.

"But as the club has maintained all year, Ken Hinkley is contracted and will be our coach in 2023."

READ MORE: Port Adelaide President guarantees Ken Hinkley's job is secure for 2023

Some other potential candidates to coach the Bombers in 2023 could be could be ex-Adelaide coach Don Pyke, as well as Richmond assistant coach Adam Kingsley.