Essendon aims for cohesion under new coach Mark McVeigh, with James Hird eyed for a role

Essendon unveiled Mark McVeigh as its new senior coach, with club president Andrew Welsh and CEO Tim Roberts underscoring a drive for unity after years of instability. The hiring process, which previously saw Brad Scott removed mid-season and James Hird’s coaching candidacy dismissed, is being presented as a genuine test of the club’s cultural shift. While Hird did not secure the coaching job, officials are now considering him for a senior football role, citing his deep game knowledge and recent reconciliation with former allies from the supplements scandal.

McVeigh’s background with the Allies and the Swans Academy was touted as valuable for Essendon’s current roster, and the club plans to add further senior staff in the coming months. The move also coincided with former player Matthew Lloyd expressing renewed interest in returning to the club. Overall, Essendon hopes the combined appointments will finally deliver the long-sought cohesion and competitive success.