Essendon president David Barham says the Bombers made ‘significant progress’ in 2024 despite another fade out

Essendon won just three of its last 11 games last season as the finals-winning drought continued. But president David Barham says the platform is being built ‘that will bring sustained success’.

Essendon president David Barham has acknowledged the supporter base’s frustration at another second-half fade out but is adamant the 2024 season was one of “significant progress” for the club.

Barham is up for election after two seasons as president with the club embarking upon a full reset with coach Brad Scott, chief executive Craig Vozzo and now new list boss Matt Rosa.

The club traded away Jake Stringer for a late pick and moved its first-round selection into 2025 but was able to match a bid for livewire NGA forward Isaac Kako.

But after another disastrous second-half fade-out the club’s finals winning drought extended past two full decades.

In his president’s report, Barham was emphatic that the hard work being done now on the club’s culture and foundations would pay off in the long run.

Essendon president David Barham has backed in the club’s long-term plan. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nicki Connolly

“This past year has been another period of significant progress. We’ve achieved many of the goals we set as we continue to build a platform that will bring sustained success in the future,” he wrote.

“We acknowledge there have been some disappointments along the way, but we are excited about the challenges ahead and optimistic that we are building a club our members and supporters can be proud of.

“We were bitterly disappointed with how our AFL season ended. To win just three of our last 11 games and miss the finals after such a promising start was deflating. While much of the season showed that our best football can compete with any team, the decline in form toward the end was frustrating for our players, coaches, members, and supporters alike.

“Despite the disappointment, my belief in the club’s direction remains strong. I am optimistic and confident about our future.

“We are only two years into a new era under senior coach Brad Scott and CEO Craig Vozzo, and in that time, they have worked tirelessly to transform the club.

“They’ve brought in skilled and experienced people, strengthened our existing team, and laid the essential foundations for long-term success. I can assure you, two years into this new era, we are on track….It’s been just over two years since the club charted a new direction. Our goal remains unchanged – to bring sustained success to Essendon Football Club.”

It’s going to be a big summer for Brad Scott and the Bombers. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos

Essendon’s annual general meeting will be held on December 18 after the club posted a $410,000 profit this season.

Club stalwart Dean Solomon has also nominated for the board along with current board member Melissa Verner Green, which means the election will be contested.

Former Essendon player and current vice-president Andrew Welsh is seen as a future president but Barham is keen to finish what he started by continuing on with another term.

Originally published as Essendon president David Barham says the Bombers made ‘significant progress’ in 2024 despite another fade out