John Longmire is prepared for the task ahead.

The long-time Sydney coach brings a wealth of experience to the Bombers’ newly created General Manager of Performance role. Announced on Monday, the former Premiership coach is excited by the opportunity to support Mark McVeigh.

Speaking to Essendon’s media team, Longmire discussed how the move came about, the importance of his relationship with McVeigh and what he hopes to bring to the Bombers.

Longmire on… how the move came about

“It happened pretty quickly in the end. I’ve obviously known Spike for a long time and known the McVeigh family for a hell of a long time.

“We touched base a couple of weeks ago and just talked about how he was going, and things moved pretty quickly from there.

“He spoke to me the next day and asked whether it would be something I’d consider. There were a few people involved, but it went pretty quickly.

“I was really excited by the challenge. After thinking it through a bit more and speaking to my family, we felt like it was the right time.”

Longmire on… his relationship with Mark McVeigh

“It certainly made it a lot easier for me. I wasn’t looking to get out of Sydney. I’d been there for 25 years and was really enjoying the role and the people.

“But I felt like, after two years being out of coaching, getting back into football was something I wanted to really explore. To be able to work with someone I know was really important.

“I know Spike really well, so to be able to come down and give him a hand as he takes on his coaching journey here at the Bombers was something that really excited me.

“It’s a big challenge ahead, but it’s something we’re really excited about.”

Longmire on… what attracted him to the role

“Supporting the coach is really important. I know when I had some senior people around me as a coach, it really helped.

“The role itself was really exciting and lent itself to some of the things I was really interested in.

“There’s a really young playing list with some exciting young players. To be able to help them develop is a great challenge.

“Trying to get the maximum out of them as players is something we all need to try and do.”

Longmire on… the GM of Performance role

“It’s working with the coaches, the player leaders and a lot of the football staff on the football performance side of things.

“It’s the team, the game plan and what that looks like, and really helping Spike and shouldering some of that load.

“The senior coaching role is such a big job these days. It’s all-encompassing and he needs to spend time working with the players and having great relationships with them.

“If I can support him and the other coaches in that way, that’s my job.”

Longmire on… Essendon’s playing list

“It’s obviously been a tough year this year and a tough couple of years, but I think there are some really good young players.

“I’m really looking forward to working with them and trying to help improve them. There are some really exciting youngsters here.

“There are some strong senior players as well, so it’s about helping them improve and be the best players they can be, and hopefully improving the performance of the team over a period of time.

“That’s what we’re looking to do.”

Longmire on… his message to Bombers fans

“We will be doing everything we can every day to improve.

“Every day we walk into this place, we want to get better and be better than the day before. We want to build on that, do those little things every day and improve our habits and performances.

“We want the Bombers fans to jump on board, really support that and get behind us.

“Looking from afar at the Bombers supporters, some of the biggest crowds I’ve seen in footy have been here.

“I’m really looking forward to getting to know a few of them and hopefully feeling that support over the coming years.”