Speculation continues to grow that Essendon are about to appoint two-time AFL premiership coach Mark Thompson as an assistant.

Thompson has stayed out of the limelight since his shock announcement last month that he would resign from Geelong because of burnout with a year left on his contract.

Even before he quit the Cats, there were reports linking him to Essendon.

The Herald Sun has reported that Essendon could announce Thompson's return to Windy Hill as early as Wednesday.

Thompson captained Essendon's 1993 premiership team in his 202-game playing career with the Bombers and had coached Geelong since 2000, leading them to the 2007 and `09 flags.

If he does return to Essendon, Thompson would act as a mentor - probably part-time - for new coach James Hird, who comes into the job without experience.

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