Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
Essendon have secured the services of Sydney premiership coach John Longmire as their general manager of AFL performance.
Both clubs confirmed the shock move on Monday, which brings an end to Longmire’s 25-year stint at the Swans.
Longmire joins the Bombers in a newly created role that is responsible for driving excellence and alignment across Essendon’s football program.
He will also assist new coach Mark McVeigh, overseeing game strategy, player development, leadership, the coaching group, performance analytics and strength and conditioning.
“I’m really excited to be joining the Essendon Football Club. 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,” Longmire said.
“I look forward to supporting both him and the staff as the club looks to take the necessary steps back towards being a consistent team who challenge the opposition every week.”
The Swans paid tribute to Longmire, who will go down as arguably the club’s greatest ever coach.
He coached a staggering 333 games, including the 2012 premiership, as well as four other grand finals. He led the Swans to 12 finals series and was twice named AFLCA coach of the year.
Longmire first joined the club as an assistant in 2002 before taking over from Paul Roos ahead of the 2011 season.
He announced his shock decision to quit at the end of 2024, handed over the reins to Dean Cox, but remained at the club as executive director of club performance.
“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.”
Sydney president Andrew Pridham said Longmire will be sorely missed around the club.
“John is a much-loved and respected figure at the Sydney Swans. Put simply, he is a legend of our club,” Pridham said.
“John, Shelley, Tommy, Billy and Sahara have been part of our Swans family for as long as anyone can remember. John loves his family and this football club, and the feeling is mutual.
“While we will miss him enormously, we wish him the very best with his new challenge.
“John’s connection with multiple generations of players, coaches, staff and fans has been incredibly strong. He has positively impacted the lives and careers of the many people who have passed through our doors over almost a quarter of a century.
“He leaves us as a great friend, a valued colleague and, of course, a Premiership coach. That will never change.
“Once a Blood, always a Blood.”
Longmire will begin his new role this week.
