Essendon president Paul Brasher has announced an internal review of the club’s football operations, while also apologising to members for the lack of clarity around CEO Xavier Campbell’s new contract.
With the Bombers languishing in 16th and coming off yet another loss in Round 11, their third in a row and ninth for the season, the club has decided to take a deep dive into its operations.
However, it comes less than a month after the club said it would not be conducting a review, instead suggesting it would be reviewing all the time.
In a video to members, Brasher said that the outcomes will “likely” result in further resources rather than wholesale change, suggesting it will revolve around player development, support for coaches and list management.
“We are looking at every element of the football program,” he said.
“The actions that come out of this review are likely to be incremental in terms of additional resources, rather than transformational.”
Football director Sean Wellman will oversee the review on behalf of the board, and the 2000 premiership defender will be able to call on club greats Kevin Sheedy and Simon Madden.
Campbell had his contract extended until 2024 earlier this year, however the news broke online rather than through the club, and Brasher apologised for the poor look on behalf of the club.
“I've had one or two people say to me that it was inappropriate that they should read about this in the paper before the club informed them and questioned whether we were trying to pull some sort of swift one," he added.
“To the second question, the answer is absolutely no, but I should apologise for the fact that you didn't hear it from us first.
“But to the really fundamental question, the board unanimously agreed to extend Xavier's contract because we believe that he is the best person to provide the stability that we need and to lead us through this next stage of our five-year strategic plan, including football success.”
The Bombers’ strategic plan, which was announced in December last year, includes both the AFL and AFLW sides winning a premiership by 2026.