Essendon appoints former Sydney coach John Longmire to performance role

Essendon has appointed former Sydney premiership coach John Longmire as its new general manager of performance in a major Australian Football League recruitment. Longmire will reunite with Bombers coach Mark McVeigh, with whom he has worked previously. He is expected to begin this week, ahead of the trade period, after leaving Sydney following 25 years in various roles.

Essendon has divided its football leadership responsibilities, with Longmire taking charge of game strategy, player development, leadership, the coaching group, performance analytics, and strength and conditioning. The appointment is intended to provide additional support for McVeigh, who is in his first year as senior coach. Longmire said he was excited to join Essendon and praised McVeigh’s passion and vision.

He said he looked forward to supporting the coach and staff as the club worked to become a consistent team capable of challenging opponents each week. Essendon chief executive Tim Roberts said Longmire’s experience and leadership matched what the club had sought. He described the appointment as a significant investment in building a football programme capable of sustained success.

Longmire coached the Sydney Swans for 14 seasons, winning the 2012 premiership and reaching four other grand finals. He coached 333 games, recorded a 63% winning record and led Sydney to 12 finals campaigns. He stepped down after Sydney’s 2024 grand final defeat by Brisbane.

Before becoming senior coach, he joined Sydney as an assistant in 2002 and was involved in the club’s 2005 premiership. He most recently served as Sydney’s executive director of club performance. Sydney chairman Andrew Pridham called Longmire a much-loved and respected figure and a club legend.

Longmire said Sydney and his family had meant a great deal to him, adding that he would remain proud of what the club achieved during his time there. Essendon finished last on the ladder, according to the source material. The club said Longmire’s experience would help McVeigh focus on coaching and player development.