This week we have finalised the coaching panel for the Essendon Football Club – one which rivals the best in the AFL.
The panel, led by James Hird and supported by Mark Thompson, Brendan McCartney, Sean Wellman, Simon Goodwin and Dean Wallis is the only coaching panel in the league of which all members have Premiership experience – either as a player or coach.
There is no doubt that the appointment of these coaches has been publicly scrutinised by media and opposition supporters. For Essendon supporters however, this symbolises a new beginning and the responsibility we are charged with as Chairman and CEO of the Essendon Football Club is to act in the best interests of our Club and our members.
11 weeks ago, we set out on a process to appoint the next senior coach of the Club. We said we would get the best coach available, we said we wouldn’t be rushed, we said we wouldn’t be drawn into speculation on process or candidates. We have been true to this process.
The appointment of our coaching panel has been all about the Essendon Football Club and what is in its best interests. Our ultimate goal is to secure our 17th Premiership and we believe the recent coaching appointments and changes to our football department are a good start.
We are by no means promising instant success. We have a lot of hard work ahead of us. But we believe we are taking the necessary steps to deliver this success in the future.
The players are excited about the recent appointments. They are committed to learning and developing under the guidance of our new coaches and we are confident of improving as a team.
Now we need our members and supporters to STAND AS ONE with the club. We are proud. We are united. And we are excited.
To the Essendon supporters, we hope you will join us on this new journey.
To everyone else, see you in Round 1.
David Evans – Chairman
Ian Robson – Chief Executive
