Essendon has confirmed the composition of its coaching panel for 2026, with a blend of new and returning faces to support Senior Coach Brad Scott in his fourth season at the helm.
Dean Solomon has joined Scott’s staff as an assistant for next season, taking the reins of team defence, stepping away from his prior role as a Director on the Club’s Board.
Cam Roberts (Forwards Coach) and Brent Stanton (Stoppages Coach) will both continue in their respective roles, with Ben Jacobs shuffling into the position of Midfield Coach.
Former Premiership player and Bulldogs AFLW Midfield Coach Toby McLean has joined the panel as a Development Coach alongside Michael Hurley, who’ll continue into a fourth consecutive season.
James Polkinghorne continues as the Bombers’ Development, VFL and Pathways Manager after the position was created last year – Cameron Joyce will go again as the Club’s VFL Senior Coach.
David Rath is in the role of Coaching Innovation and Game Strategy Manager.
Recent retiree Todd Goldstein will also jump straight back into duties with the Club as a part-time Ruck Coach for the 2026 season, working closely with Nick Bryan, Lachie Blakiston and Vigo Visentini in their continued development.
GM – AFL Daniel McPherson spoke to the Club’s desire for continuity even in the wake of a few personnel changes over the off-season.
“We are really pleased with the balance of our coaching group. With the addition of Dean Solomon, we have brought in important coaching experience which will be a crucial addition to our match-day operations. Dean brings a competitive edge and high-level football IQ that will complement our coaching group,” McPherson said.
"Significantly, we continue to invest heavily in the Development space. This focus caters for every player on our list, but is also critical given our current list demographic, ensuring our emerging players are ready for senior football sooner.
See below for Essendon’s confirmed 2026 coaching panel:
Brad Scott – Senior Coach
Dean Solomon – Assistant Coach (Defence)
Ben Jacobs – Assistant Coach (Midfield)
Cam Roberts – Assistant Coach (Forwards)
Brent Stanton – Assistant Coach (Stoppages)
David Rath – Coaching Innovation & Game Strategy Manager
Michael Hurley – Development Coach
Toby McLean – Development Coach
Todd Goldstein - Ruck Coach
Cam Joyce – VFL Senior Coach
James Polkinghorne - Development, VFL & Pathways Manager
