Arabic version: إيسندون يخطط لإجراء محادثات مع هيرد بعد تعيين مكفي

According to The Guardian, Essendon president Andrew Welsh and new head coach Mark McVeigh intend to speak with James Hird about a possible role at the AFL club after McVeigh was selected for the top coaching job.

Essendon appointed McVeigh on Monday, choosing the former Sydney Swans assistant ahead of Hird, Fremantle’s Jaymie Graham and Adelaide’s Murray Davis. Hird had sought the position, having previously quit as Essendon coach in 2015 following a tenure marked by the club’s supplements saga.

Welsh said Hird could provide “significant value” to Essendon, describing it as more than a tokenistic contribution to the club and playing group. He said Hird had not answered his calls, but that he had sent a text and hoped to speak with his former teammate. Hird was an assistant to McVeigh when McVeigh was interim GWS senior coach in 2022.

McVeigh said he and Hird had spoken and remained close despite competing for the Essendon role. He said he would discuss a potential position with Hird, while seeking to understand the direction of his football career. McVeigh also said he wants former caretaker coach Dean Solomon on his coaching team.

The new coach said Essendon would not “live in the past” as he seeks to move the club forward after it collected the wooden spoon in 2026. McVeigh said he wants to speak with champion midfielder Zach Merrett at the appropriate time, adding that he wants Merrett to remain while listening to the player’s feelings.