Essendon assistant coach Hayden Skipworth is poised to join Collingwood, informing the Bombers of his resignation on Monday - the first day of Bombers' pre-season training.

Former Essendon and Adelaide player Skipworth, who has been at the Dons for a decade in a variety of roles, will head to the Pies to take up a role heading the club's academy.

Hayden Skipworth. Credit:Sebsatian Costanzo

Skipworth, 36, is likely to replace Tarkyn Lockyer, who is leaving the Holden Centre to replace Luke Power as head of the AFL academy. Brisbane Lions champion Power joined Carlton's coaching staff earlier this year.

Skipworth's decision leaves the Dons down a key assistant coach late in the piece. Skipworth had been responsible for the Essendon midfield in 2019 but had been poised to return to the forward division, an area he had previously overseen.