Newly elected Essendon board member Simon Madden said he felt it was simply the right time for him to join the club’s board.

A two-time premiership player, Madden has maintained his connection with the club since his retirement as a player in 1992.

Having previously given consideration to joining the club’s board Madden is confident he has chosen the right time to support his former club.

“I thought about it for a while, I have been asked before but I think it is just a really good time to have some input,” Madden said.

“A lot of people have been standing and pointing and I thought you can do that or you can get involved and help.

“We have the new True Value Solar Centre, great grounds, facilities and a new season happening so I was really keen to get on board.”

Madden said watching the club go through a tough period over the last twelve months did have some impact upon his decision to nominate for election.

“Being a part of the club you never like to see your club go through hard times,” he said.

“I think in the history of football when club’s are under pressure they do bond together and I think one strong thing I have seen out of it is the club has bonded together this year.”

Madden praised his former teammate Mark Thompson on the way he had taken on the role of head coach since his appointment.

“He is handling everything very well and you can see there is a real spring in his step.”

“I’m not sure he thought he would ever go back to being senior coach but I think the whole situation has put him in a position now where he is the head coach.

“He can understand that he has to perform the role for a year and I think he is really enthusiastic about it.”