Long-time Essendon member Brett Crabtree has declared he is planning to lead a challenge to the Bombers’ board after James Hird was overlooked for the role as senior coach.
The Bombers on Monday confirmed Mark McVeigh, also a former Bomber and one-time teammate of Hird’s, had won the top role.
Ahead of McVeigh’s introductory press conference on Tuesday, Crabtree, 33, reaffirmed his comments on SEN last week, revealing he was leading a group of members frustrated by the Bombers’ long-time failures and alleged governance issues.
Crabtree said McVeigh’s appointment ensured “appropriate action” needed to be taken against the club.
“We were prepared for this outcome and are well down the path of taking the appropriate action to restore relevancy to our once great club,” Crabtree, a financial planner, wrote in a statement reported by SEN on Tuesday.
“However, this is something that needs to be done properly. There is a formal process that must be followed, and we are making sure every step is undertaken correctly, within the club’s constitution and with the appropriate level of member support.
“This is not about rushing, grandstanding or creating unnecessary noise. It is about making sure the members’ concerns are formally and properly heard.
“There is a lot happening behind the scenes, and we will provide members with further information when we are in a position to do so. The objective is clear: accountability, proper governance and putting the future of the Essendon Football Club first.”
Crabtree had said only Hird should have been considered for the top job, replacing Brad Scott who departed the club in May.
He said he had never met Hird, the club great and former premiership skipper, whose second stint as coach in 2015 ended amid the fall-out of the supplements’ scandal.
Crabtree will not look to spill the entire board, rather targeting long-time directors, although he has not given specific names.
The Bombers were contacted for comment.
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Jon Pierik is a sports journalist at The Age. He covers AFL and has won awards for his cricket and basketball writing.Connect via X or email.From our partners
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