Essendon assistant coach Dean Wallis is enduring a nervous weekend as the AFL investigates a claim he bet on a match.

The former Bombers premiership defender is facing suspension if it is proved he bet on an AFL game, which would contravene the league's strict anti-betting regulations.

There are reports that Wallis placed a three-figure bet for a friend and that the wager did not involve an Essendon game.

It is understood the league will resume its investigation onMonday, after the matter initially came to light late on Thursday.

The league will give their integrity officer Brett Clothier as much time as he needs to investigate the serious allegation, but it is not expected to take more than a few days.

Clothier interviewed Wallis at Essendon's Windy Hill headquarters on Friday.

Essendon has the bye this weekend ahead of next Sunday's massive elimination final against fierce rivals Carlton at the MCG.

The investigation comes only a couple of months after Collingwood premiership defender Heath Shaw received a hefty eight-week suspension for a betting offence.

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou said on Friday that if it is true an assistant coach bet on the league, it "defies belief".

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