Essendon has confirmed its 2025 AFL coaching structure under Senior Coach Brad Scott.
With Dale Tapping announced as the Dons’ new VFL Senior Coach, current Head of Development Cam Roberts will move into the Forwards Coach role next season, a position he held in an interim capacity for periods of the 2023 season.
Roberts has risen through the ranks since arriving at Essendon in 2019, having previous coaching experience with the Melbourne University Blacks, and community-oriented roles with AFLNT. Roberts played 11 AFL games for Geelong across 1996 and 1997.
Beginning at the Bombers as a Development Coach, Roberts has also served as a VFL Assistant Coach over the past four seasons and took on the Head of Development role at the beginning of 2022.
Amidst the one change, continuity highlights the Bombers’ coaching look for next year as Scott’s assistant group of Daniel Giansiracusa (Midfield) and Brent Stanton (Stoppages), and Ben Jacobs (Defence), are all set to continue in their roles from 2024.
The pairing of Michael Hurley and Travis Cloke continue as Development Coaches next season, while David Rath will again support Scott as Coaching Innovation and Game Strategy Manager.
GM – AFL Daniel McPherson is confident in the variety and experience amongst the group leading into next year.
“Following the announcement of Dale Tapping as VFL Senior Coach last week, we’re delighted to confirm our 2025 AFL coaching structure led by Brad Scott,” McPherson said.
“Cam Roberts has demonstrated great football knowledge, is experienced, a strong relationship builder, and a good teacher of the game. He is widely regarded across our footy club by the players, coaches and staff after leading our development program for the last three seasons. He stepped in for Dale (Tapping) when he was unavailable last season, and showed great synergy with our coaching and playing group.
“We believe we have great experience and vast knowledge across all our coaches who complement each other and will help to push the club forward under Brad’s leadership.
“Our players will benefit from the stability in our football program and we’re excited to get to work in the next couple of weeks, building out our pre-season program ahead of the 2025 season.”
Essendon 1-4 year players will return to training on Monday, November 11.
Essendon 2025 AFL coaching structure
Senior Coach – Brad Scott
Assistant Coach (Midfield) – Daniel Giansiracusa
Assistant Coach (Stoppages) – Brent Stanton
Assistant Coach (Defence) – Ben Jacobs
Assistant Coach (Forwards) – Cam Roberts
Coaching Innovation & Game Strategy Manager – David Rath
Development Coach/VFL Senior Coach – Dale Tapping
Development Coach/VFL Assistant Coach – Michael Hurley
Development Coach/VFL Assistant Coach – Travis Cloke
