Essendon given toughest AFL run home as interim coach Dean Solomon starts

Essendon Football Club has been rated by Champion Data as facing the most difficult run‑home of any of the 18 AFL sides for the rest of the 2026 season. The club’s interim coach, Dean Solomon, began his tenure with a five‑goal loss to the West Coast Eagles in Perth, leaving the Bombers with only one win in their previous 25 games. Their upcoming schedule includes matches against the Carlton Blues at the MCG on the King’s Birthday eve, a bye, then fixtures with North Melbourne, St Kilda, Brisbane at the Gabba, the Giants and Hawthorn before the end of July. Hawthorn and Carlton have the easiest remaining runs. Former Essendon star Matthew Lloyd said, “It’s rare that the interim coach gets the job… he would need to get on a real roll to get that job.” James Hird has been mentioned as a possible supporter or assistant for Solomon, while former Sydney premiership coach John Longmire is also being considered by rival clubs.