The arrival of John Longmire may be the most significant addition to Essendon in decades

September 29, 2026 — 5:30am

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John Longmire is one of Essendon’s most significant appointments in decades; in fact, he could be the most important.

With unimpeachable football credentials as both player and coach, he is exactly the sort of person Essendon has needed, yet has been unable to attract for years.

His appointment as Essendon’s new head of performance instantly reshapes the image of the club. It changes the image of an organisation that has been smashed in recent years as amateurish.

He gives authority to a football department and, by extension, to the club. He is not a messiah; he won’t single-handedly change Essendon on the field. What he is and what his appointment does is enhance the idea of Essendon bringing in football people of gravitas.

The Pullman sexual assault investigation has hurt the Sydney Swans’ reputation, but for decades, stretching back to Paul Roos then John Longmire, the club had a football program and a playing culture that was the envy of other clubs.

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Caroline WilsonFootball columnist for The Age

Football columnist for The Age

For two decades, the same could not be said of Essendon. The club has struggled to attract elite players and staff while being plagued by off-field factionalism.

When the senior coaching position was vacant, some........

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