"Thorpie" says Williams is the man for the big job at Essendon

Marngrook Footy Show panel member Alan Thorpe predicts Essendon will turn to Port Adelaide's 2004 premiership coach Mark Williams as the replacement for sacked coach Matthew Knights.

"Thorpie" lists the "experience" and "proven record" of Williams.

He added: "Mark Williams has got connections at Essendon ... he was reserves coach under (senior coach) Kevin Sheedy."

"Thorpie" said it was unlikely the Bombers would appoint an untried senior coach like Alan Richardson (who was an assistant coach under Knights this year).

"They want quick success," he said.

"They don't want to develop a coach over the next two or three years.

"They want an experienced coach who can jump straight into the role and get the results on the board immediately."