Essendon’s Coaching Dilemma and the Role of Former Players
Matthew Lloyd, one of Essendon’s most iconic players, has highlighted the potential for a former teammate to lead the club into a new era. He specifically pointed to Damien Hardwick, who was part of Essendon’s 2000 premiership-winning team, as an example of someone who has found success in coaching at another AFL club.
Lloyd has also made it clear that he is not supporting James Hird, a former Essendon coach who is seeking to return to the helm. Hird has received backing from notable Essendon figures such as Kevin Sheedy and Michael Long. However, this support has not gone unchallenged. Leigh Matthews, a legendary coach known for his work with Hawthorn, criticized Sheedy’s suggestion that an Essendon figure should take over next year, calling it “ridiculous.”
Matthews explained how his own journey to coaching involved immersing himself in other clubs, including Collingwood and Brisbane, before achieving success with Hawthorn. This perspective highlights the challenges of transitioning from playing to coaching within the same club.
Lloyd, now a respected AFL commentator, emphasized that the priority should be selecting the best candidate to lead Essendon following the sacking of Brad Scott. He believes that the club needs a leader who can bring back the passion and consistency that once defined its identity.
Lloyd and Hardwick were teammates during Essendon’s 2000 premiership season, a period often regarded as one of the most successful in the club’s history. Since then, however, Essendon has struggled to maintain that level of performance.
Hardwick went on to coach Richmond, where he initially faced criticism and even threats of being replaced at the end of 2016. Despite this, the Tigers chose to retain him, and under his leadership, they achieved a remarkable run of three consecutive premierships from 2017 to 2020.
After leaving Richmond, Hardwick took on the role of coach at Gold Coast, where he led the club to their first finals campaign in 2022. His journey from player to successful coach serves as a testament to his ability to turn around struggling teams.
Lloyd acknowledged that Hardwick was not originally associated with Richmond but noted that the club’s success under his guidance was undeniable. “They started winning,” he said. “He won games consistently, the fans started coming again, the passion started coming again — and that’s what I pine for, for Essendon.”
However, Lloyd also recognized the challenges that come with bringing back a former player like Hird. He compared the situation to a hypothetical scenario where he wanted to coach Collingwood but faced competition from established players like Scott Pendlebury and Nathan Buckley. “I understand it… (but) who’s going to be the person out there who’s approached by (president) Andrew Welsh or someone within the football club and says ‘I want this job’?”
This highlights the delicate balance between loyalty to the club and the need for fresh perspectives. As Essendon looks to rebuild, the choice of its next coach will be crucial in determining its future direction. Whether it’s a familiar face or an outsider, the right leader could be the key to reviving the Bombers’ legacy.
