@pattyryen: 🔴⚫ Daniel Pratt on joining Essendon, the 2027 game plan and rebuilding the Bombers’ culture On leaving the Western Bulldogs “Yeah, it was a tough decision to leave a place where there’s a really strong environment and some great people. They’re very close to having the ultimate success with some of the players they’ve brought in. But the opportunity arose at Essendon to continue my growth as a coach and as a person. It was something that suited me right now.” Pratt sees joining Essendon under Mark McVeigh as an opportunity for personal and professional growth, with established relationships and conversations with Spike McVeigh, Tim Roberts and CEO Craig Vozzo also playing a key role. On the 2027 game plan and learning from the premiers “What Brisbane have been able to do, they don’t get stuck in the back half. Their skill is to be able to get it from defensive 50 to their forward third and bring their talent into the game.” Pratt has identified Brisbane as a blueprint for Essendon, focusing on quicker ball movement, better transition from defence and getting the ball forward efficiently to maximise the club’s attacking talent. His experience managing West Coast’s 2018 premiership backline will be invaluable in developing Essendon’s team defence, structure and transition game. On rebuilding Essendon’s culture “I think building it from scratch sometimes is a real positive because you’ve got young guys who want to learn and are eager to get better.” Pratt sees Essendon’s young playing group as an opportunity, with their willingness to learn and improve providing a strong foundation for implementing a new system and building sustained success. The key takeaway? Pratt’s focus is on stronger team defence, faster transition football, maximising young talent and building a culture driven by improvement. There’s plenty of work ahead, but these are exactly the areas Essendon needs to address heading into 2027. 👊❤️🖤 #godons #Essendon SEN 1116 Essendon Football Club @Essendon FC

Patrick Ryen

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Friday 23 October 2026 01:55:58 GMT