MARK McVeigh built a coaching resume at almost every level before being ticked off as Essendon's new leader on Monday.

The 45-year-old spent his entire playing career at the Bombers, but since finishing up 14 years ago, has gone about gathering experience with different ages, settings and clubs.

Here's a quick timeline on his ride to become Essendon's coach.

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Published on Aug 24, 2026

1998 – Drafted
Following a move from Melbourne to the Central Coast of NSW when he was a youngster, McVeigh played his junior footy at Killarney Vale and Pennant Hills before being taken with the No.9 selection by Essendon in the 1998 AFL Draft. Interestingly, fellow head coaches Justin Longmuir (No.2) and Josh Carr (No.7) were taken ahead of McVeigh – also by clubs they would later lead.

2012 – Retirement
Following 14 seasons and 232 games for the red and black, McVeigh wound up his career at the end of the 2012 season. It was a little too early in his progression to earn a spot in the 2000 premiership team, although he did play in a losing Grand Final to Brisbane 12 months later. He was an ultra-consistent player for the Bombers and a long-time vice-captain before hip, knee and hamstring issues eventually halted his career.

Mark McVeigh with his daughter Ariana before the match between Essendon and Collingwood at the MCG. Picture: AFL Photos

2013 – Coaching path begins
McVeigh's first job post-career came with AFL NSW/ACT as talent and coaching manager for the Sydney North region, during which time he coached the under-16 and under-18 NSW/ACT teams at the national underage championships. McVeigh also dabbled in the media in 2013, working with both Channel Seven and SEN radio. At the end of 2013 he was appointed to head the Greater Western Sydney Academy.

2014 – Back into the AFL
Following a year with the Giants in the Academy, McVeigh began a long-term assistant coaching stint under Leon Cameron. He began as the team's defensive coach ahead of the 2015 season and moved to be the midfield mentor in 2021.

Mark McVeigh watches on during Greater Western Sydney's training session at Tom Wills Oval on May 18, 2020. Picture: Getty Images

2022 – Into the hot seat
When Cameron resigned midway through a difficult 2022 season, McVeigh was given an extended run as the team's interim coach. He started with a bang, thumping struggling West Coast by 52 points. There was some early success with three wins from six matches, but things quickly plateaued. McVeigh slammed his team following a heavy loss to Sydney, saying the players had "checked out" and naming just eight he thought had tried. He applied for the permanent job that was won by Adam Kingsley at season's end. McVeigh and Adem Yze were the two shortlisted that missed out.

Mark McVeigh speaks with his players during the match between Greater Western Sydney and Essendon at Giants Stadium in round 21, 2022. Picture: AFL Photos

2023 – Off to the rivals
Following a nine-year association with the Giants, McVeigh headed to crosstown rivals Sydney as the Academy head coach. He also went back to his under-18 coaching days, leading the Allies to their first ever national championship. That team had the likes of Connor O'Sullivan, Jed Walter, Ryley Sanders and Ethan Read. At the end of 2023, McVeigh stepped in to become an assistant coach at the Swans, looking after the backline and team defence. He has been with the Swans ever since.