Overview
- The Essendon board confirmed Mark McVeigh on Monday, signing him to a three-year contract through the end of 2029 and naming him senior coach effective immediately.
- McVeigh won the role ahead of finalists James Hird, Jaymie Graham and Murray Davis, and Hird publicly congratulated McVeigh while saying he was personally disappointed.
- The appointment has provoked anger among some supporters, prompting club figures such as Tim Watson to call for unity and for members to back the new coach.
- McVeigh inherits a deep rebuild after Essendon finished last with two wins, with urgent questions about the playing list — including the future of Zach Merrett — and the makeup of the football department.
- A former 232-game Bomber with long assistant and development experience at GWS and Sydney, McVeigh has outlined a demanding preseason, a clear game plan focus and said he may approach Hird about a role on his staff.