Essendon has entered a new phase under interim coach Dean Solomon following the sacking of Brad Scott with 18 months left on his contract.Solomon, a former club director and premiership teammate of James Hird, is focusing on implementing a new game plan, emphasising contest, team defence, and player versatility.

Injuries, such as the dislocated shoulder of Archer May, and ongoing challenges in team depth hampered their recent match against West Coast, which ended in a heavy loss.

Meanwhile, speculation about the next permanent coach continues, with Hird seen as a likely candidate despite past controversies linked to the WADA sanctions that affected the club in 2016.

Other potential candidates, including Adam Simpson, Ken Hinkley, and various assistant coaches, are hesitant to step into the role while Hird is in contention.

The club's leadership, including president Andrew Welsh and CEO Tim Roberts, appears committed to a clear strategic direction, having overseen the transition from Scott to Solomon.

The Bombers' remaining season will serve as both a testing ground for Solomon's interim approach and a backdrop for discussions around the future coaching appointment, with supporters keenly observing developments both on and off the field.