Essendon have the presidential stability they have long craved after Andrew Welsh was overwhelmingly re-elected to its board.
Welsh, who joined the board in 2022 and replaced David Barham as president in August amid supporter ructions, received an unprecedented 97 per cent of the total vote of the 7445 eligible members who cast formal votes for up to two candidates.
Man on a mission: Andrew Welsh is determined to have Essendon again become an on-field force.Credit: Photographic
The successful businessman and former Essendon player was re-elected for a three-year term alongside Kate O’Sullivan, who is the club’s longest serving board member, having been initially elected in 2019.
The pair will be formally declared at the club’s annual general meeting on Wednesday night.
Heading into the club’s second contested election in as many years, Welsh spoke passionately about the need to keep the club together.
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“The last couple of months have been galvanising for the club. People who had walked away from the club for a variety of reasons have re-engaged,” Welsh said.
“We are a members-based organisation, and we welcome anyone to apply who thinks they can help the club. Everyone wants to make the club better.”
Welsh, who now has an imprimatur for change, did not wish to comment on Tuesday.
