Essendon is pleased to announce that Anthony Howard AM KC has accepted a position on the club’s Board of Directors.

Howard is a decorated former barrister and judge in the practice of criminal law, retiring as a Judge of the County Court in 2016.  He was honoured as a Member of the Order of Australia on January 26, 2019 for services to the law and community.

A lifelong Essendon supporter and founding Chair of the club’s Lawdons coterie group, Howard has always held a strong affinity and commitment to the football club and is excited to commence in his new role.

“We’re a great club with a proud and long history. As a lifelong Essendon supporter, I’ve been connected to the club since I was a young boy and I’m excited about the opportunity to join the board and play a meaningful role in our future,” Howard said.

“There’s been a lot of positive change in the club since President Barham took over two years ago. Change that will [provide] us the foundations to move forward with excitement. We have the collective purpose to get success for our club and I want to devote my time to that. It has been too long since we’ve had a successful period.

“Our vision as a collective club goes beyond today, and I can’t wait to be part of that.”

As a member of the Victorian Bar Council, Howard contributed to the Equal Opportunity Briefing Policy, which aided the career progression of many female barristers and he is a former member of the Indigenous Lawyers’ Mentoring Program.

Aside from legal practice, Howard has obtained a plethora of experience through several not-for-profit organisations.  He was, for many years, a Trustee of the Royal Melbourne Hospital Neuroscience Foundation and served on the Board of youth mentoring organisation Big Brothers, Big Sisters.

Howard is the husband of founder of the Essendon Women’s Network, former AFL Commissioner and former Governor of Victoria, the Hon Linda Dessau AC CVO. He worked with the Governor on her community and international affairs program for eight years. 

Since October 2023, Howard has been a Director of Diabetes Victoria.

Essendon President David Barham is proud to be welcoming a person of Howard’s experience and character to the club’s Board.

“The Essendon Football Club is delighted to have someone of Tony’s calibre join our board,” Barham said.

“His extensive legal experience and strong governance credentials will be invaluable as we continue to navigate issues that exist at football clubs.

“Tony also brings broad business experience, government relations and outstanding community connections across all areas of society, and he will significantly strengthen our club.”

Howard will fill the vacancy left by Kevin Sheedy AO, who departed the club’s Board in August following a near four-year tenure.

“Kevin has made an enormous contribution to this club, and we thank him for his service on the board. He will always be a legend of this club and revered by every Bomber fan and supporter,” Barham said.

Howard will commence in the new position on October 1, 2024.