Swan's assistant takes-over as Essendon coach

Mark McVeigh, a former Essendon player and Sydney assistant coach, has been appointed as the new coach of the struggling club, taking over responsibilities immediately following a unanimous decision by the club's board. Essendon concluded its most challenging season in club history with a narrow 10-point loss to Port Adelaide. The selection process, described by the club as extensive and deliberate, resulted in McVeigh being chosen over Bombers legend and former coach James Hird, as well as Jaymie Graham and Murray Davis.

45-year-old McVeigh, who had previously worked as an assistant coach at Greater Western Sydney Giants, has returned to Essendon on a three-year contract after being away from the club for nearly 14 years. Alongside his playing career, McVeigh also served as a caretaker coach at the Giants in 2022.

The club's president, Andrew Welsh, who played alongside McVeigh and Hird during his time at Essendon, emphasized that the appointment was a unanimous decision made by the board. Welsh stated that McVeigh was identified as the best candidate for the role, given the club's objective to establish a prosperous era, aiming for finals participation, winning finals, and contending for premierships.

McVeigh, acknowledging the club's focus on building a strong future, expressed his commitment to the team's standards and the rigorous work required to achieve success. He emphasized that the new chapter for Essendon would be defined by actions and not promises.