Essendon interim coach Dean Solomon has rejected reports of a rift between himself, Mark McVeigh and James Hird, describing the rumours as resembling 'an episode of Home and Away', as the AFL club moves toward announcing a new senior coach as soon as next week.
Essendon interim coach Solomon dismisses rift rumours ahead of coaching appointment
Essendon interim coach Dean Solomon has rejected reports of a rift between himself, Mark McVeigh and James Hird, describing the rumours as resembling 'an episode of Home and Away', as the AFL club moves toward announcing a new senior coach as soon as next week.
Solomon chose not to put his hand up for the full-time coaching role, and McVeigh — currently an assistant coach with Sydney — has been reported as the frontrunner for the position, ahead of club icon James Hird.
The three men played together at Essendon. Solomon and Hird were part of the club's most recent premiership side in 2000, while McVeigh played alongside both in a losing grand final in 2001. The trio also worked together briefly at GWS when McVeigh served as the Giants' interim coach in 2022.
Solomon cited family circumstances as central to his decision to withdraw from the coaching process. His wife and children live in northern New South Wales, and he said he had spent 10 to 11 months away from them. 'Is that sustainable long-term? It's probably not,' he said.
Solomon had initially indicated he would remain at the club next year even if he did not become senior coach.
On the profile of the next coach, Solomon said the successful candidate did not need to have an Essendon background, pointing to the example of Kevin Sheedy, who grew up supporting the Bombers but whose playing career was at Richmond. 'He just needs to be the right person,' Solomon said.
- Mark McVeigh has not been quoted or given an opportunity to respond in this article.
- James Hird has not been quoted or given an opportunity to respond in this article.
- The source does not confirm whether McVeigh has formally applied for or accepted the Essendon coaching role.
- The source does not name any other candidates under consideration for the role.
- The source does not specify a precise date for the expected coaching announcement.
- The source does not detail the nature or origin of the rift reports beyond describing them as rumours.
Read the original at ABC News Australia