[REVISION HISTORY]

Mark McVeigh appointed Essendon senior coach

Updated 6 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-25 06:01 UTC → 2026-08-25 12:23 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Essendon Football Club has officially appointed former player Mark McVeigh as its new AFL senior coach on a three-year contract, extending through the end of the 2029 season. McVeigh, a former club ~~vice-captain,~~ vice-captain who made 232 appearances for the Bombers, transitions to the role from his position as an assistant coach with the Sydney Swans. McVeigh was selected by the board for his tactical expertise and ability to connect with emerging players, succeeding Brad Scott. The appointment follows a selection process that included candidates Jaymie Graham, Murray Davis, and club legend James Hird. While Hird has publicly stated he was “personally disappointed,” he has congratulated McVeigh. In response, McVeigh has expressed a desire to involve Hird in a coaching capacity at the club in the future. The decision has caused significant division among supporters, with some members threatening challenges against the club’s leadership and governance. Furthermore, reports suggest star player Zach Merrett may seek a trade to Hawthorn, having previously indicated he might have stayed at Essendon had Hird been appointed. During the recruitment process, Essendon conducted due diligence regarding recent turmoil at the Sydney Swans, which included a scandal at the Pullman East Melbourne hotel involving player behavioral breaches and a police investigation. The Swans confirmed that McVeigh was not involved in those incidents.

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