Essendon has appointed Daniel Pratt as the Club’s Senior Assistant Coach ahead of the 2027 Toyota AFL Premiership Season.
The 43-year-old joins from the Western Bulldogs, where he has been an assistant coach since the end of 2023. He was named the AFL Coaches Association Assistant Coach of the Year in 2024, which is voted by the players and coaches at each club.
Pratt began his coaching career at Box Hill before moving to West Coast as a development coach in 2014. He was the Eagles’ backline coach in their 2018 premiership and was head coach of West Coast’s AFLW team in 2021.
As a player, Pratt played 119 AFL games, 116 with North Melbourne and three with the Brisbane Lions.
In his new role, Pratt will be elevated to Senior Assistant and work closely with Senior Coach Mark McVeigh across the football program.
General Manager of Football Performance John Longmire said Pratt brought the right mix of experience and character to the role.
“Daniel is one of the most respected assistant coaches in the game, and his peers recognised that when they named him Assistant Coach of the Year in 2024,” Longmire said.
“He’s been part of a premiership program and has worked across strong football environments at West Coast and the Western Bulldogs, including AFL and AFLW. He understands the standards required to build a successful team and, importantly, how to help coach players get there.
“Team defence is an important area of focus for us as we continue to build our game, and Daniel’s experience in defensive coaching will be a valuable addition to our program.
“Daniel is also an outstanding teacher and communicator. His ability to connect with players and help them improve will be particularly valuable as we continue to develop our young list.
“We were looking for an experienced coach who could have a significant impact on our football program, and Daniel brings that experience, knowledge and teaching ability.
“We’re delighted to welcome Daniel, his wife Rachel and their family to Essendon.”
Pratt said he was excited to be joining Essendon at the start of a new era for the Club.
“Essendon is a big club with a clear direction, and everyone here is excited about the opportunity ahead. That was a big part of the appeal for me,” Pratt said.
“There’s a real chance to help build this into something special and that is clear in my recent conversations with Mark and John. There’s a talented young group of players, and my job is to help them get better every week.
“I’m also here to help Mark and the rest of the coaching team. Mark knows how he wants this team to play, and I want to help him get it done.
“I’d like to thank the Western Bulldogs, and Luke Beveridge in particular. I learned a great deal there and worked with some terrific people. They’ve built a group that’s ready to have a real crack at a premiership next year, and I wish them all the best.
“I can’t wait to get started at the Bombers.”
Pratt will join the Club ahead of the start of pre-season training.
