Overview
- Essendon set up an in-house five-person selection panel made up of president Andrew Welsh, CEO Tim Roberts, board members Anthony Di Pietro and Ted Richards and people and culture GM Caroline Monzon to run the search.
- The club said the panel will interview between 10 and 15 candidates and James Hird confirmed on Wednesday that he has spoken to Welsh and will formally put his case to that process.
- Brad Scott was sacked in late May and the Bombers have managed just one win this season, a run that is driving urgency for a permanent appointment and tighter timelines.
- Interim coach Dean Solomon says the panel's formation has accelerated his decision timetable and he expects the club to approach him in the coming weeks about whether he will seek the permanent role.
- Hird’s candidacy revives debate over his 2015 resignation and one-season AFL suspension related to the club’s supplements program and the issue remains a reputational factor for members and stakeholders.