Akermanis will meet with the Bombers next Wednesday as he pursues his dream of breaking into AFL coaching ranks.

“It was always the plan (AFL) if I liked coaching,” Akermanis said.

“We have helped lift North out of the mire and got them back on track

“I have always told Mark (Cronin) and the assistant coaches and the board when I met with them what we had planned.

“There have been no surprises.

“Obviously the boys and Mark don’t want me to go but they realise it’s a matter of time whether it’s this year or next year that I’ll be moving up to the AFL.”

Essendon appointed John Worsfold’s premiership teammate Guy McKenna as an assistant coach last week.

His signing and the potential move of Akermanis has been delayed with the Bombers wanting to follow a strict process given their recent troubles.

“I hope to know by next Friday,” he said.

“I have to move house anyway so I will move around the corner or go back to Melbourne.”

The Brownlow medallist said he was optimistic about his chances of joining Essendon.

“There is no doubt I’m the best qualified with everything I have done,” he said.

“I don’t just have three years of coaching, I have teaching components as well.”