Daniel Pratt joins Essendon as Mark McVeigh’s senior assistant
The former Western Bulldogs assistant joins a reshaped coaching group, following John Longmire’s appointment as general manager of performance.
Essendon has appointed Daniel Pratt to work as senior assistant to new coach Mark McVeigh, bringing him across from the Western Bulldogs as the club continues changes to its football staff.
Pratt, 43, joined the Bulldogs in late 2023 and received the AFL Coaches Association’s assistant coach of the year award in 2024. His appointment follows Essendon’s recruitment of Sydney premiership coach John Longmire as general manager of performance.
Before his Bulldogs stint, Pratt spent almost a decade coaching at West Coast, moving from development duties to responsibility for the backline. He helped the Eagles win the 2018 premiership and coached their AFLW side in 2021.
Longmire said Essendon was focusing on team defence and that Pratt’s defensive coaching experience would strengthen its program. Pratt said conversations with McVeigh and Longmire had highlighted the opportunity to help build the club.
The appointment comes after Dean Solomon, who served as interim coach following Brad Scott’s sacking, left for NSW to be nearer his family. Essendon has also brought in Brent Prismall to lead development and signed Shane Mumford to a development coaching role.
The Bombers have approached Collingwood senior assistant Hayden Skipworth about a position in McVeigh’s coaching group. Pratt’s playing career comprised 119 AFL appearances: 116 for North Melbourne and three for the Brisbane Lions.
