It was a baptism of fire but one the cool interim coach almost emerged from with a famous victory.

Matthew Egan took charge of the Bombers for the first time against Gold Coast last night and the match went down to the wire.

For a man who has been working with the defenders for the last two seasons, there were minor teething problems.

“I found myself drifting back and kept watching match-ups down back, but it was good, I really enjoyed it,” Egan told Triple M.

“It was a really good experience to collaborate with the whole coaching group and listen to what everyone says and try to watch the whole ground.”

In Egan’s short tenure at the Bombers he’s sampled the highs of memorable victories and finals appearances, as well as the lows of seemingly unrelenting off-field pressure.

“Dealing with what we’ve been through I’ve learn a lot about people,” he said.

“I’ve learnt how to read people probably better than I ever have or ever would have anywhere else.”

Egan said he had tried to avoid the media spotlight in recent seasons, instead choosing to focus on helping develop the playing group.

“I’ve got a real care for working with players and improving players,” he said.

“That’s probably always been my focus, I’ve never really thought about being a head coach until now. 

“I still think I’ve got a fair bit to learn and hopefully Essendon get a great coach and I can learn off someone and keep improving.”