AFL 2022: Long-time GWS Giants interim coach Mark McVeigh moves on as Brett Montgomery arrives

Mark McVeigh won’t be part of new coach Adam Kingsley’s team next year after choosing to move on from the Giants but a familiar name will be.

Mark McVeigh has departed the Giants after spending nine years at the club. Picture: Getty Images

Mark McVeigh is moving on from Greater Western Sydney, seven weeks after the Giants hired Adam Kingsley as Leon Cameron’s coaching successor.

The ex-Bomber, who grew up on the Central Coast of New South Wales, served as the Giants’ interim coach after Cameron’s mid-season departure and was keen to win the job in an ongoing capacity.

But GWS will welcome Kingsley’s 2004 Port Adelaide premiership teammate Brett Montgomery, who arrives with 13 years’ experience as an assistant at Carlton, Western Bulldogs and the Power.

McVeigh asked James Hird and Dean Solomon to support him in the coaches’ box during his stint in charge, which included four wins in 13 games.

Hird and Solomon both interviewed for the vacant Essendon coaching position, which eventually went to Brad Scott.

Mark McVeigh has support from former Essendon teammates James Hird and Dean Solomon during his stint as interim coach. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Kingsley met with McVeigh when he was unveiled in Sydney as the new coach and offered for him to continue as part of his team.

Instead, the 41-year-old’s nine-year tenure at GWS, which started with him working with the club’s Academy program, has come to an end.

He was promoted to the Giants’ backline coach after his Academy stint then took over the midfield before becoming Cameron’s senior assistant.

GWS football boss Jason McCartney thanked McVeigh for his contribution.

“Mark has been a wonderful coach at our football club over a long period of time,” McCartney said.

Mark McVeigh, pictured in the rooms with Callan Ward after the Giants’ round 21 win over Essendon, has chosen not to be part of Adam Kingsley’s staff. Picture: Phil Hillyard

“He’s a person of great honesty and integrity and while we would have loved him to stay, the time is right for him to move on.

“We congratulate him on everything he has achieved so far in his coaching career and wish Mark and his family all the best for the future. He’ll always be part of building the Giants.”

Kingsley will have a new-look team, with former assistants Steve Johnson and Amon Buchanan also parting ways with the club since the season ended.

Montgomery and Adelaide great Ben Hart are the newcomers to the GWS coaches’ box, while current assistant Craig Jennings is remaining at the club.

Ruck coach Shane Mumford will continue his part-time role, while new head of development Robbie Chancellor heads up a development team with VFL coach Damian Truslove and Alicia Eva.

Originally published as AFL 2022: Long-time GWS Giants interim coach Mark McVeigh moves on as Brett Montgomery arrives