DUAL Brownlow medallist Greg Williams has been appointed as coach of the James Hird Academy, the development group for prospective Essendon father-son recruits.

Williams, 53, played 250 games for Geelong, Sydney and Carlton from 1984-1997, winning Brownlows in 1986 for the Swans and 1994 for Carlton.

He has been working as a part-time assistant coach with the Bombers.

Williams told the Essendon website he was excited by the opportunity to expand his role.

"I'm really enjoying my time at the Bombers and working alongside the players and coaches," he said.

"The father-son rule has been one of the great initiatives of the AFL and the opportunity to help foster and develop Essendon's prospects is something I'm really looking forward to.

"I played against a lot of the dads involved in the program so it will be great to catch up with them and also offer as much help as I can to the children coming through."

The James Hird Academy is made up of three groups: the Acceleration Group (16-18 years old), the Flight Squad (11-15 years of age) and the Baby Bombers (up to 10 years old).

Essendon players Joe Daniher and Jake Long are graduates of the James Hird Academy.