Coleman joins Essendon after missing Michael Long’s recruitment calls
The former Brisbane defender said Essendon’s Indigenous history and marquee matches helped attract him to the Bombers.
Keidean Coleman has moved from Brisbane to Essendon in a deal completed near the AFL trade deadline, despite missing two calls from Michael Long during the Bombers’ recruitment effort.
Coleman, 26, said in an interview that Long had tried to reach him during his flight to Melbourne and again while he was flying back to Brisbane. Essendon had enlisted the Norm Smith medallist and two-time premiership player to help persuade him to join.
The Katherine-born defender travelled to Melbourne with his family for talks with Essendon’s new coach Mark McVeigh and list boss Matt Rosa before requesting the trade. McVeigh later let him know Long had been trying to make contact.
Coleman said the club’s Indigenous history appealed to him, along with the opportunity to play in marquee fixtures including Anzac Day and Dreamtime at the ’G. He planned to return Long’s calls after the trade.
Following a strong performance in Brisbane’s narrow grand final defeat by Collingwood in 2023, Coleman played only 15 senior matches over three seasons affected by injuries. He said he wanted a fresh start and more opportunities at AFL level.
