Caretaker coach Matthew Egan has begun work preparing for this weekend’s game against the Gold Coast Suns.

Speaking briefly to the media today, Egan said he had an important job to do after what has been a difficult 24 hours for the entire club.

“I’m really excited," he said.

“Obviously yesterday was a sad day, Hirdy was a good friend to many people at the club.

“I just need to get them prepared as best we can."

Matthew Egan joined the club as the assistant coach in 2011 after a successful stint with Geelong.

Since then, he has made a good impression in the wider football community for his great work with Essendon’s backline.

With only three games left in the season, Egan is determined to find form on the field but – more importantly, he wants the boys  to be revitalized and have regain the passion for playing football.

Egan was unsure whether he was interested in putting his hand up for the senior coaching role, preferring to focus on the immediate future.

 “I’ve been coaching seven years, I’m not sure to be honest,” Egan said.

“It’s my first time coaching a main group so we will see how we go.” 

The team will travel to Queensland to take on the Gold Coast this Saturday afternoon.