Essendon coaching candidate Adem Yze sees a “big, big chance” of winning the job as James Hird and Brad Scott face a deadline

Adem Yze has emerged as a great opportunity to land the coaching job at Essendon after a second interview and a tour of the AFL club’s headquarters, reports 7NEWS Melbourne’s Tom Browne.

The 45-year-old Melbourne assistant coach spent two and a half hours at Tullamarine on Wednesday.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Yze arrives at Essendon HQ as the deadline approaches

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There is no sign yet that James Hird, who was among four to present themselves to the Bombers coaching committee at external meetings last week, has received a similar call for a second interview.

Hird still has plenty of support from some factions within the club for a third spell as Essendon manager, Browne reported.

Yze and Hird were among several early candidates, but it’s unclear how many have progressed in the process.

Dean Solomon and Brendon Lade were known to have sat down with the Bombers, while club great Tim Watson later revealed Daniel Giansiracusa, a current Essendon assistant, had also officially applied and been given an interview.

Whether the Bombers will receive an application from one of the oldest coaches available, Brad Scott, remains to be seen.

Watson said the AFL chief of football “may still be interested” but as the process progresses he may now be running out of time to join the process.

“As far as I know, Essendon intends to appoint a manager by the end of next week,” Browne said.

“You’d have to give Yze a big, big chance.”

Watson reported this week Hird is “very, very interested” in coaching the Bombers, despite ongoing backlash over his role in the club’s doping scandal.

“There’s a lot of elements about it (coaching) that I like,” Hird told the Howie Games podcast in an episode taped before Essendon’s Ben Rutten was fired.

“Six weeks ago I was asked by the CEO of a football club if I didn’t want to coach his club but if I would like to train again.

“I would have to have family considerations to do it.

“I love the fact that you get deeply involved and work with young people to create something really, really special and that you create a great team environment.”

Meanwhile, the next Bombers manager will enlist the services of Dyson Heppell as a player for 2023 and possibly as an assistant in the future.

The 30-year-old has been linked with a move to the Gold Coast Suns but has now signed a one-year deal.

“It was one of the greatest honors of my life to be captain of the club I grew up with,” said Heppell.

“Essendon Football Club is my second home and to follow my playing career here as a club player is very special.

“Although this year has been tough, I have real faith in our playgroup and I am fully committed to continuing to support the growth of this program.

“I look forward to working with our new coach and hosting a big pre-season together as we work towards 2023.”

Heppell is unlikely to retain the captaincy.