New Essendon President Paul Brasher has declared the club will turn the page on a “new chapter” in its history after an “incredibly disappointing” 2020 season.  

In his first message to members, Brasher said the No.1 priority of the Board was winning the club’s next premiership.  

“We’re not interested in having a game style and a playing list that allows us to limp into the finals and then go out in the first week,” Brasher said.

“We want a style that will stand up to finals pressure and the players to play that way.” 

“I don’t apologise for being passionate and incredibly disappointed when we perform below what we are capable of.

“We’ve had games this year where that has clearly been the case, and everybody at the club shares the disappointment that you all feel as members." 

With new coach Ben Rutten taking the reins in 2021, Brasher said there were a number of “non-negotiables” expected of the players. 

“We want players who hate losing, as much or more than we fans do,” Brasher said.

“We want players who are committed to continuing to get better. We want players who will play with passion, who will play for each other and for the club every week.

“We want players who will be predictable and consistent from quarter to quarter and from week to week, those traits will be non-negotiable. 

“We’re not interested in excuses, we are determined that this team is going to play to its best in every game.” 

Brasher, who has served on the Essendon Football Club Board for the last eight years, said it was time for the club to draw a line in the sand. 

“My absolute number one priority will be the interests of the Essendon Football Club, and I will be active in promoting those both visibly and within private sessions on behalf of the club," Brasher said.

“It’s a great privilege to be a President of our club and it brings with it an enormous responsibility.

“It’s a responsibility that I feel to every one of you as members and fans of this club and I take it really seriously."