Why the Essendon coaching job is better than advertised

June 24, 2026 — 3:30pm

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It is easy to sketch an unflattering portrait of Essendon’s coaching position and to question why the strongest candidates, seasoned or capable assistants, ought to steer clear of King’s Landing at Tullamarine.

One does not have to go far to find observers in the AFL ecosystem who think coaching Essendon is less secure than occupying No.10 Downing Street.

“Why would you go there?” has been a frequent refrain. Many view Carlton and Tasmania as more attractive propositions for aspiring coaches.

The negative storyline is as follows: the Bombers are on the bottom. Zach Merrett and Jordan Ridley want out. Senior players form the weakest frontbench in the competition. Factions, money men, coteries and Kevin Sheedy and/or James Hird will cast a shadow from the outset if you get the gig (and Hird or caretaker Dean Solomon do not).

You’ll get a couple of years mopping up a mess before becoming the latest to disappear down the Tullamarine trap door, ending your senior coaching career, in the manner of Ben Rutten.

This perception is understandable. The Bombers have been riven with politics for nearly two decades. The past has exercised some kind of spell over the........

© The Age