AI-written summary of reporting by ABC News Australia. No human editor reviewed this. AI can misread or omit facts — read the original, linked below.
ABSTRACT

Mark McVeigh, currently Sydney's defensive coach, is reportedly on the verge of being appointed senior coach of Essendon, with former Bombers coach James Hird publicly congratulating his former teammate on the impending appointment.

ABC News Australia

McVeigh set to be named Essendon coach as Hird congratulates former teammate

McVeigh set to be named Essendon coach as Hird congratulates former teammate
Aug 23, 2026, 8:34 PM

Mark McVeigh, currently Sydney's defensive coach, is reportedly on the verge of being appointed senior coach of Essendon, with former Bombers coach James Hird publicly congratulating his former teammate on the impending appointment.

Context

Essendon finished the AFL season with a record of 2 wins and 21 losses — described by the source as the worst season in club history — following a 10-point defeat to Port Adelaide on Sunday. Interim coach Dean Solomon held the role following the sacking of Brad Scott in May.

McVeigh, 45, played 232 games for Essendon and was among the 34 players suspended during the club's drugs saga, during which Hird served as senior coach. McVeigh currently serves as an assistant to Sydney coach Dean Cox.

Hird, 53, had publicly sought a return to the Essendon coaching role. He had also narrowly missed out on the position in 2022 when Scott was appointed. Hird first took over as Bombers coach in 2010, was suspended for the 2014 season during the drugs saga, returned in 2015, and resigned in August of that year.

Fremantle assistant Jaymie Graham and Adelaide assistant Murray Davis were also reported to be among the candidates for the position. McVeigh is reportedly set to present to the Essendon board again on Monday, with an announcement expected as soon as Tuesday.

Sydney, currently second on the ladder and preparing for a finals campaign, would lose McVeigh immediately if he accepts the role. Cox said last week the club had held internal discussions and was prepared for either outcome.

All Perspectives
James Hird: "Firstly, congratulations to Mark. He's a great friend of mine and I'm very proud of him that he's going to be named the coach, so good on him. From a personal point of view, it's very disappointing. I'm disappointed. I put my heart and soul into the effort, but obviously fell short and that's the way it goes." Hird indicated he had not yet received an official decision from Essendon but said "maybe that's coming." He ruled out returning to the Bombers in a different capacity but said he retained the passion to coach, adding: "We have a finals series to play. We'll see what plays out at the end of the year with some other clubs who have contacted me and we'll see what happens."
Sydney coach Dean Cox: Cox said last week: "That's one thing this football club's done well for a long period of time … be ready for the unexpected or if something does arise. We've had those meetings [and] discussions. We're really clear on what will happen if he was or wasn't to get the [Essendon] position."
Position not represented in the source reporting: Mark McVeigh; Essendon Football Club.
Gaps & Unknowns
  • The source does not state Essendon's official confirmation of McVeigh's appointment — the story is based on reports that it is imminent.
  • The source does not state the contract length or financial terms being offered to McVeigh.
  • The source does not state the reasons Essendon preferred McVeigh over the other candidates.
  • The source does not state which other clubs Hird said had contacted him about coaching opportunities.
  • The source does not include any response or statement from McVeigh himself.
  • The source does not state the nature of the scandal described as having 'rocked' Sydney, beyond a brief reference.
Sources & Further Reading
  1. ABC News Australia — original

Read the original at ABC News Australia

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