United Dons vow no ‘jumping at shadows’ now that McVeigh has top job

Bombers declare unity, but member threatens board challenge

Jon Pierik

Essendon president Andrew Welsh insists the Bombers have never been more united and will not “jump at shadows” after a rogue club member declared he was planning to lead a board challenge because 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, Brett 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.

But Welsh and Bombers chief executive Tim Roberts were strong in their defence, Welsh declaring the club was tired of those who “live in the shadows” and want to destabilise the club.

“You know, year after year, and we get people coming out of the shadows that want to challenge the board. I can tell you, since I’ve been here, this club has never been more united,” Welsh said.

“So, these people want to keep living in the shadows and come and try and destabilise our club. We don’t jump at shadows. We’re a strong club, and we’ll continue to make sure that we’re making the right decisions on behalf of our members and our teams and our staff to get this club moving forward again.”

Crabtree, a financial planner, said his group was “prepared for this outcome [McVeigh appointment] and are well down the path of taking the appropriate action to restore relevancy to our once great club”.

“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,” Crabtree wrote in a statement to SEN on Tuesday.

“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.

This masthead has contacted Crabtree for comment.

Roberts said the Bombers were aware of Crabtree’s long-time agitation, but “we’re just going on doing our thing”.

“Our members asked us to run a thorough process to find the best candidate, and I think Mark can talk as a candidate as part of that process. But, we’re really comfortable that we’ve done that, and that’s what the overwhelming number of members have told us, and that’s what we’ve done,” Roberts said.

“If people want to challenge us around that, then so be it. But we’re really strong where we are. We’re a united club. We just have to look around at the people here. This is a big, strong football club. That’s who we are, and we’ll just move forward as we see best. And we’re united in that. “

Crabtree will not look to spill the entire board, rather targeting long-time directors, although he has not given specific names.

Melbourne’s bargain recruit makes finals return

Marc McGowan

Melbourne midfielder Jack Steele has refused to sink the boots into his old club St Kilda as he prepares to play his first final in three years.

Unwanted by Ross Lyon and the Saints – including being used as the starting substitute in a game late last season – Steele accepted a trade to the Demons and has been a key contributor under Steven King.

St Kilda instead loaded up on high-priced recruits, while paying a big chunk of Steele’s remaining contract, but failed to make even the wildcard round as Melbourne exceeded expectations.

The Demons handed over only a 2027 third-round selection for Steele, in the same trade period they offloaded Clayton Oliver and Christian Petracca.

“It’s been a bit of a whirlwind of a 12 months, to be honest,” Steele said.

“Comparison is the thief of joy, as they say, so I don’t really want to compare my position now to where the Saints are at the moment. But I’m really grateful for the opportunity Melbourne have given me.”

Steele credited King for him being a happier, “less grumpy” person, but declined to compare the first-year coach’s style to Lyon’s.

He said being free of the burdens that come with being a captain was also refreshing, while still serving as a mentor to younger teammates “at my own pace”.

The Demons were stiff to finish seventh with 15 wins, particularly because in-form Carlton await them at the MCG on Saturday night.

The clash presents another chance for Steele to face-off with Blues champion Patrick Cripps.

“From my first days as a Saint, I played on Patty Cripps a fair bit,” he said. “I was always that match-up, so I assume that’s going to continue to happen this week. He’s a great player, and he’s won two Brownlows for a reason, so it’s going to be a real challenge.”

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