Essendon is assembling an impressive coaching panel, landing highly respected assistant Daniel Pratt.

Pratt crosses from the Western Bulldogs, where he was crowned AFL Coaches Association Assistant Coach of the Year in 2024.

The former North Melbourne player has experience across many programs, including being the West Coast Eagles’ backline coach in their 2018 premiership.

Pratt, 43, applied for several senior coaching roles, admitting the role at North Melbourne appealed to him, but he ultimately landed at Tullamarine.

The appointment follows Mark McVeigh as senior coach and John Longmire as general manager of football.

Pratt said the opportunity to build something was an attraction for him.

“Essendon is a big club with a clear direction, and everyone here is excited about the opportunity ahead. That was a big part of the appeal for me,” Pratt said.

“There’s a real chance to help build this into something special and that is clear in my recent conversations with Mark and John. There’s a talented young group of players, and my job is to help them get better every week.

“I’m also here to help Mark and the rest of the coaching team. Mark knows how he wants this team to play, and I want to help him get it done.

“I’d like to thank the Western Bulldogs and Luke Beveridge in particular. I learned a great deal there and worked with some terrific people.

“They’ve built a group that’s ready to have a real crack at a premiership next year, and I wish them all the best.

“I can’t wait to get started at the Bombers.”

Longmire said Pratt’s experience in building an impenetrable defence was one of the Bombers’ focuses.

“Daniel is one of the most respected assistant coaches in the game, and his peers recognised that when they named him Assistant Coach of the Year in 2024,” Longmire said.

“He’s been part of a premiership program and has worked across strong football environments at West Coast and the Western Bulldogs, including AFL and AFLW. He understands the standards required to build a successful team and, importantly, how to help coach players get there.

“Team defence is an important area of focus for us as we continue to build our game, and Daniel’s experience in defensive coaching will be a valuable addition to our program.”

Originally published as AFL 2026: Essendon adds to strong coaching panel under Mark McVeigh