Mark McVeigh takes charge of Essendon
AFL club Essendon has appointed 45-year-old Mark McVeigh as head coach, effective immediately. This was reported by ABC News Australia. McVeigh signed a three-year contract with the club.
Club board decision
Essendon president Andrew Welsh said the club board unanimously supported McVeigh's candidacy. According to him, the club conducted a thorough and considered selection process, and McVeigh proved to be the best candidate given the requirements of the position.
McVeigh secured the role ahead of former Essendon coach James Hird, as well as Jamie Graham and Murray Davis. Hird congratulated McVeigh on the appointment and said he had made considerable efforts in his bid for the role but was unsuccessful.
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Return to Essendon
McVeigh played 232 matches for Essendon and returns to the club after nearly 14 years away. During that time, he worked as an assistant coach at Sydney and the Greater Western Sydney Giants, and served as the Giants' interim head coach in 2022.
Previous head coach Brad Scott was dismissed on May 25. Interim coach Dean Solomon led the team until the end of the season. Essendon ended the worst season in its history with a 10-point loss to Port Adelaide.
McVeigh said the team must focus on building a new successful period for the club, based on standards, daily work and actions.
