Bombers members find their voice: Essendon end horror year with resounding vote

2 months ago 5

Essendon have the presidential stability they have long craved after Andrew Welsh was overwhelmingly re-elected to its board.

Welsh, who joined the board in 2022 and replaced David Barham as president in August amid supporter ructions, received an unprecedented 97 per cent of the total vote of the 7445 eligible members who cast formal votes for up to two candidates.

Andrew Welsh is determined to have Essendon again become an on-field force.

The successful businessman and former Essendon player was re-elected for a three-year term alongside Kate O’Sullivan, who is the club’s longest serving board member, having been initially elected in 2019.

The pair will be formally declared at the club’s annual general meeting on Wednesday night.

Heading into the club’s second contested election in as many years, Welsh spoke passionately about the need to keep the club together.

“The last couple of months have been galvanising for the club. People who had walked away from the club for a variety of reasons have re-engaged,” Welsh said.

“We are a members-based organisation, and we welcome anyone to apply who thinks they can help the club. Everyone wants to make the club better.”

Welsh, who now has an imprimatur for change, did not wish to comment on Tuesday.

His decision to retain former skipper Zach Merrett through the trade period – unless Hawthorn delivered a godfather deal – won the support of members and supporters.

Businessman Anthony Di Pietro replaced Barham on the board in October, while there was more change when former Essendon and Sydney player Ted Richards replaced former premiership player Dean Solomon, who joined Brad Scott’s coaching crew after another disappointing season when the Bombers finished 15th.

However, the Bombers now have another casual vacancy on the board after businessman Andrew Muir stepped down on Tuesday after 11 years.

“Andrew joined the board at a time of great need for the club, following one of the most difficult periods in our history,” Welsh said.

“His strong governance lens helped guide the club through that challenging time, and we came out of it stronger because of his commitment and perseverance.

“I have always admired his commitment to wanting the club to be great in all aspects and how he has challenged us to be excellent. His high standards have pushed us to be better, and the club is in a better position because of this mindset.”

Board challengers Amrit Singh, a former state organiser for the Australian Labor Party, Gary Vistarini, Luke Maxfield and Natasha Foster were unsuccessful in their quest.

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