Essendon Football Club today announced the process by which the Club’s next senior coach would be appointed.
The Club has formed a selection panel consisting of Essendon’s CEO Ian Robson, General Manager of Football Operations Paul Hamilton and former player Scott Lucas.
Club Chairman David Evans will oversee the panel and take the panel’s recommendation to the Board for a final decision.
Hamilton said the panel will also seek input from other sources – including people with senior AFL coaching and specialist expertise - during the later stages of the selection process.
“Scott Lucas is a Premiership player, a Club Best and Fairest, and is very highly regarded for his football knowledge,” Hamilton said.
“We’re delighted that he has accepted our invitation to participate in this process.
Hamilton said there were a number of factors that would be considered during the appointment process.
“We’re entering into this process with open minds, but the new coach will need to understand where Essendon is at as a club and where we want to go,” Hamilton said.
“They will have a plan to continue the development of the playing group – building on the foundations established over the past three years by Matthew Knights.
“They will be an outstanding ambassador for the Club off the field and will be a coach that all Essendon people will be proud of.”
Hamilton said the Club would not be rushed into making a decision on the future coach of Essendon.
“We want to get the best person for the job, so the process could take a number of weeks,” Hamilton said.
“The Club will make a formal announcement about the new coach once the process is completed. In the meantime we will not be engaging in any speculation or discussion about possible candidates.”
