Mark McVeigh appointed Essendon coach, may seek James Hird as assistant

The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 24, 2026, 11:11 PM

Last updated Aug 24, 2026

Mark McVeigh appointed Essendon coach, may seek James Hird as assistant

Summary

Mark McVeigh has left the Sydney Swans to become the new head coach of Essendon, effective immediately. His appointment was revealed by James Hird, the former Bombers coach, who previously worked with McVeigh as an assistant coach at GWS in 2022. Matthew Lloyd, a former Essendon player, believes McVeigh would want Hird on his coaching staff. McVeigh and Essendon president Andrew Welsh are scheduled to address the media on Tuesday following this announcement.

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Status Watch

•McVeigh replaces the previous coach at Essendon.
•Hird's return as an assistant is being considered.
•McVeigh previously worked with Hird at GWS.
•Media availability set for Tuesday with McVeigh and Welsh.

Latest Updates

11:11 PMThe Guardian Sport — New Essendon coach Mark McVeigh tipped to approach James Hird for Bombers AFL role

What they're saying

"
McVeigh leaves Sydney Swans to take on role at crisis club Hird was McVeigh’s assistant when interim GWS coach in 2022 Essendon great Matthew Lloyd is certain that new AFL coach Mark McVeigh would love to have James Hird on his staff. McVeigh and Bombers president Andrew Welsh will front the media on Tuesday, a day after the appointment was confirmed. On Sunday night, Hird himself had revealed that McVeigh had won the role. Hird’s bid to return to Essendon for a second term as senior coach continues to sharply divide opinion. Continue reading...
— The Guardian Sportby Australian Associated Press

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