Dean Solomon has confirmed he will not put his name forward for the permanent Essendon senior coaching position, bringing clarity to one of the AFL's most closely watched appointment races, while across town Collingwood have opened contract negotiations with promising young midfielder Ed Allan.
Solomon, a member of Essendon's 2000 premiership team, stepped into the caretaker role following the sacking of Brad Scott in late May. His tenure has produced a 1-8 win-loss record, leaving the Bombers a game behind Richmond at the foot of the ladder — but Solomon has remained publicly upbeat about the club's direction, consistently pointing to the development of young players including Nate Caddy, Sullivan Robey, Jacob Farrow, Archie Roberts and Dyson Sharp.
Solomon steps aside with pride and praise for the group
While Solomon had held preliminary conversations with Essendon chief executive Tim Roberts, he indicated last Thursday that a formal discussion about his future had not yet taken place, saying Roberts wanted him to keep his focus on coaching until the club was ready to have that conversation. His decision to withdraw from consideration is now confirmed.
In a statement, Solomon expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity and spoke warmly of the playing group he has overseen.
"I've been incredibly grateful for the opportunity to give back to the football club that has given me so much," he said. "I'm proud of this playing group. While the results haven't reflected where we want to be, I've seen the growth of these players every day, and I honestly believe our members and supporters have every reason to be excited about what's ahead."
He signed off with a rallying call to supporters: "Get behind them from day one in 2027 and give them the best Essendon support possible. There's nothing better than running out in front of the red and black faithful."
Roberts responded warmly, crediting Solomon's leadership and integrity throughout what he described as an important period for the football program. "His leadership, integrity and care for our players have been outstanding," Roberts said. "He has served this club with distinction as our senior coach and has made a lasting impact on the players and staff around him."
Notably, Solomon remains contracted to the Bombers through 2027, having joined Brad Scott's coaching staff as an assistant after previously serving on the club's board.
The Essendon coaching search narrows
With Solomon out of the running, four candidates remain in contention for the role. They are Sydney assistant and former Essendon player Mark McVeigh, Port Melbourne director of coaching and Essendon icon James Hird, Adelaide coaching director Murray Davis, and Fremantle forwards coach Jaymie Graham.
Formal interviews are continuing this week, and the club is hoping to confirm its appointment by the end of next week as part of a broader restructure of its football department covering both the men's and women's programs.
Collingwood move to secure Ed Allan amid midfield rise
At Collingwood, the club has entered contract talks with 22-year-old midfielder Ed Allan, marking the first formal indication that the Magpies intend to keep the out-of-contract fourth-year player beyond this season.
Allan spent the vast majority of the season without a new deal on the table, with the club deliberately delaying negotiations with his management until very recently. The decision to pursue a contract extension follows a striking improvement in Allan's form and role after he was moved from a wing position into the midfield, where he has been deployed to tag the opposition's key ball-winners.
That tagging responsibility has yielded results. Allan was effective in limiting Adelaide's Jordan Dawson during Collingwood's upset victory over the Crows, underlining his growing value to the side.
The dual development — a coaching vacancy at Essendon taking shape and a promising Magpie securing his future — reflects the busy backdrop of an AFL season that still has plenty to resolve off the field. As clubs weigh decisions with long-term consequences, understanding what a signed contract truly delivers can matter as much in football as in any other walk of life.
