Essendon Football Club would like to congratulate former vice-captain Mark McVeigh on his recent appointment as the head coach of Greater Western Sydney’s Academy.

The GWS Academy is a pathway for young potential AFL players in the NSW region.

McVeigh played 232 games for the Bombers before retiring at the end of the 2012 season. He grew up on the NSW Central Coast and played for Pennant Hills in Sydney’s west before he was drafted in 1998.

Since his retirement, McVeigh has been working at AFL NSW/ACT as a talent and coaching manager for the Sydney North region and replaces Lachlan Buszard in the GWS role.

 “I am really excited about the opportunity to nurture young talent from the region through the Giants Academy," McVeigh said.

"As somebody who grew up playing AFL in NSW, I am passionate about giving kids an opportunity to pursue their dream to play the game at the highest level.

"We have already seen the talent produced in this region and I'm sure there will be a lot more in the years to come."