New Essendon president Andrew Welsh faces re-election as Dean Solomon exits board for coaching
Andrew Welsh has made some big decisions during his first few months at the helm of Essendon, but how much support he has will be tested. Plus, the latest on Dean Solomon and David Barham.
Essendon is confident its replacement for departing board member Dean Solomon will have elite football expertise as new president Andrew Welsh prepares to test his support from the fans with re-election at December’s annual general meeting.
Welsh will be joined by board members Andrew Muir and Kate O’Sullivan, who are also up for re-election as their current three-year terms expire.
Solomon has decided to relocate from his home of Kingscliff in northern NSW and join Brad Scott’s team as an assistant coach in a shock move announced last week.
Solomon was to be a key lieutenant for former teammate Welsh and another sounding board on football matters but instead the club made clear he was better used in the football department.
Welsh and Muir were both elected in 2022 so under Essendon board rules have to go before the members this year, with nominations closing on November 12 for a December 17 AGM.
David Barham handed over the reins to Welsh this year amid speculation over a potential board challenge, having worked on a succession plan for most of the season.
Barham is expected to step off the board at some stage in the near future after helping affect significant change at Essendon.
Welsh told the Herald Sun recently he had spoken to those who had considered a boardroom challenge and they had made clear they were backing him in.
Welsh said last week the club would quickly move to identify another director with football experience given Solomon’s change in position.
“A process is already underway to fill Dean’s vacant board position, with that person having a football background to ensure we still maintain football expertise at board level. We expect to make an announcement on the new director in the coming weeks,” he said.
At last year’s election, 2000 premiership player Solomon drew the most votes from all members, securing his board position with 7459 votes as Barham was re-elected with 5560 votes.
Premiership hero Paul Weston was unsuccessful in his bid to secure a director’s role after winning 3829 votes.
Weston had said Essendon was no longer feared or respected but just fell short of securing a board role.
Since last year’s election the Dons have endured a torrid 2025 season with a record injury toll before holding captain Zach Merrett to his contract despite his desire to be traded.
But Merrett has already made clear he supports Solomon’s move to the football department, with the club hiring a new fitness boss and strength and conditioning coach.
Originally published as New Essendon president Andrew Welsh faces re-election as Dean Solomon exits board for coaching
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