Essendon Chairman Paul Little has used his final Crichton Medal address to praise the resilience of supporters who have stuck by the Club through its most challenging period.
Little has previously announced his intention to stand aside when the WADA appeal process reaches its conclusion.
Despite winning just six games in 2015 the Bombers boasted record membership and the fourth highest attendance figures across the competition.
“The unwavering support of our membership base is truly inspiring and something we don’t take for granted,” Little said.
“As a Club, it is our responsibility as players, coaches and administrators, to repay the faith of our members in the coming years.
“I firmly believe the foundations have been laid for our Club to prosper again, both on and off the field in the near future.
“Our aim is to make our people proud and to be the most respected, successful and inclusive club in Australian sport.
“It’s now up to us, everyone in this room, in the Essendon family, part of the Essendon community - whether you are a player, past player, coach, volunteer, member, we must unite together behind the Club, behind the new coach and behind the new Chairman.”
Little congratulated Interim Coach Matthew Egan for the way he led the team when thrust in to the senior role following the departure of James Hird.
“’Ego’ did a fantastic job in the final three rounds of the season as our interim senior coach,” Little said.
“Based on significant positive feedback, it is clear ‘Ego’ has many of the qualities required to be a successful senior coach at AFL level in the future.”
Little was equally glowing of Hird who remains one of Essendon’s favourite sons.
“I would like to take this opportunity to again thank James Hird for his incredible contribution to the Essendon Football Club,” Little said.
“James is a legend of our Club and a legend of the game of AFL.
“He will always be a part of the Essendon family and will always be welcome at Essendon.”
Little said the club has been encouraged by the success of the VFL side throughout its finals campaign and was hopeful of quickly climbing back up the ladder.
“Our challenge ahead of 2016 is to regenerate our list and go into next season with a renewed sense of belief and purpose,” Little said.
“There are many recent examples of how quickly clubs can turn things around with the right decisions and shared vision across the Club.
“The Club has commenced the search for our next coach.
“We have an experienced and diverse selection panel completing this process and expect to be in a position to make an announcement in October.
“We will leave no stone unturned to ensure we find the best possible candidate to take the Essendon Football Club into its next period of sustained success.”
