Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
Essendon has landed its biggest recruit of the off-season, securing John Longmire as its new general manager of performance.
Longmire coached Sydney for 333 games, reaching five Grand Finals and winning the 2012 premiership.
The Swans’ longest-serving coach retired at the end of 2024 but remained at the club in an executive director role.
Longmire was linked to several roles, most prominently coaching at his old club North Melbourne, but he ultimately selected the Dons alongside new coach Mark McVeigh.
McVeigh joined Sydney in 2022 and worked closely with Longmire until he retired.
Longmire said he was excited to start fresh with a new opportunity at Tullamarine.
“Having arrived at the Swans 25 years ago this Club has meant so much to me and my family,” Longmire said.
“I will look back with extreme fondness of my time in Sydney and always be proud of what we achieved as a football club.
“Clearly, the 2012 Premiership remains a highlight for me over the journey, as are the many finals appearances. However, I will also cherish the challenging times that are presented to you when involved at the coalface of professional sport.
“I would like to thank everyone who has been involved with the Club of 25 years for their professionalism, dedication, and desire to improve.
“There are far too many people to list here who have supported myself and my family during my time.
“The relationships I have formed over more than two decades, and the memories we have as a family, will always stay with me and something I will always treasure.
“I am really excited to be given this opportunity at Essendon working alongside Mark McVeigh and I’m looking forward to getting started.”
Essendon said the newly created position “provides strategic leadership, operational oversight and high level support across the program, and is designed to assist with the growing demands on the Senior Coach while ensuring alignment, accountability and high performance across all critical football functions”.
Longmire backed McVeigh’s vision as a first-time coach.
“I’m really excited to be joining the Essendon Football Club,” Longmire said.
“I’ve known Mark for a long time and have worked with him as well. He is passionate about the Bombers and has a clear vision for the team.”
“I look forward to supporting both he and the staff as the club looks to take the necessary steps back towards being a consistent team who challenge the opposition every week.“
