Interim coach Matthew Egan has received high praise from the players and fans.

Renowned for his hard work as an assistant coach and particularly for his work as a defensive coach, Egan came into the limelight late this year after head coach James Hird resigned with three weeks to play in the season.

Joining the Club in 2011, Egan’s success with the backline as well as his strong relationship with the playing group, and a strong football brain, saw him chosen for the job ahead of the Club’s other equally talented assistant coaches. 

With the Club’s year well gone, Egan was able to motivate the team to keep on playing in the final three weeks of the season - with many promising signs emerging before finishing off with a win against Collingwood in the final round. 

Michael Hurley and Cale Hooker were just two of the players who praised Egan’s work during the Crichton Medal.

The defenders have worked closely with Egan over the years, witnessing first-hand what the former All-Australian defender is capable of.

“Matty Egan, you kept us together throughout the year. You really stepped up when the club needed you,” said Hooker.

“We actually did get something out of that last month that we can take into next year,”

Chairman Paul Little also acknowledged Egan’s contribution to the Club in challenging circumstances, believing that the interim coach will have no problem in becoming a senior coach when he is ready to make the transition.

“Ego did a fantastic job in the final three rounds of the season,” said Little during his opening address 

“Based on significant positive feedback we’ve had on Ego’s performances, many of the qualities that he’s shown that I’m sure will place him in really good stead to become a full AFL coach in the short term.” 

While Egan has ruled himself out of contention for Essendon’s senior coaching position, he thanked all those at the Club who had put faith in him and allowed him the experience. 

Egan also paid special tribute to James Hird, describing the important role that the Club champion had played in his development.

“I have (Hird) to thank for where I am today in my coaching development,” said Egan at the Crichton Medal.

“You believed in me and when I took over from you I couldn’t believe how excited you were for me.

“That shows the person you are, and I thank-you.” 

 

The Club is currently in the search for a new senior coach, with CEO Xavier Campbell believing that there will be an announcement made mid October. 

Although Egan may not be the Club’s head coach next year, there is no doubt that he will continue to be a massive part of the Club’s growth in the coming years.

His importance to the Club is on more than one level, and perhaps best summed up by one sentence by Michael Hurley.

“He’s a good friend and a good coach.”