Essendon midfielder Mark McVeigh and his wife Leanne are the proud new parents of a baby girl, Ariana McVeigh.

The Bombers veteran said both mum and baby were doing well after a long night in labour.
“We got to the hospital at 10:30 on Monday night and Arianna arrived at 8:10am Tuesday morning,” McVeigh said.

“She is 8 lbs 11 oz and quite long at 21 inches or 52 centimetres and she is as beautiful as her mum.”

“We’ve got a new family member in our life which makes it very special for everyone,”

Although exhausted and a little sleep deprived, McVeigh said he will be available to play the Sydney Swans on Sunday.

“Obviously there were a few sleepless nights before and after the game and Leanne had been a bit restless as all expecting mums are around that time but I’m feeling fine and ready to take on the Swans on Sunday.”

McVeigh, who will line up against his brother, said family support had been amazing throughout the birth.

“My brother was ringing me all through the night and we spoke regularly and he was the first person I called,” McVeigh said.

“His wife his five months pregnant and they are expecting their first child as well so it’s a special moment for our family and mum and dad flew down along with Leanne’s parents so it’s been great to have them all here for the birth.”
The Essendon Football Club would like to congratulate Mark and Leanne on the exciting news and wish them all the best for the future.