That sounds like something that’s more likely.
I’m going for now that if the Kelly is real in some parts, it’s just for the head of development role, VFL role or something
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Does anyone know how the club rates Gia?
Barham’s ultimate legacy depends on whether we go on to have success, but agree that he deserves credit. He clearly put the club ahead of his self-interest from start to end – from being the face of hard decisions to leaving to support the club’s stability. It feels fair to say that the club is more football focused now than when he took over.
Let’s hope Welsh can stand up to the task. He’s always been a galvanizing type and his post-footy career is testament to his ability to make things happen. My sense is that he’ll be loyal to those already at the club and will push to see the rebuild through with them, but no doubt outsiders will be in his ear, which makes his appointment both stabilizing and risky. He’ll need some fortitude.
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What about James Kelly is he returning in some capacity?
He’s gonna replace Brad as coach
Don’t be surprised if a bloke called Kenny from Camperdown turns up early in 2026
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What’s the James Kelly rumour? Would love that guy back at the club.
Barham’s legacy in my eyes at least will be a positive one. Stepped in to get rid of a coach that was out of his depth, a CEO who wasn’t properly focused on the footy department and implement an external process to appoint the next coach (when was the last time we did that?).
He’s gone on to fall on his sword to avoid a potential board challenge. He could have spent the last 3 years earning big bucks in the private sector but has instead spent it doing what is effectively a thankless volunteer job. His selflessness is something that other ‘Essendon people’ should try and emulate a little bit more.
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Fingers crossed that Welsh can bring his mates/former team mates/former coaches into line.
Nobody has been able to do that yet. Hopefully he has the courage to eye ball these blokes and call them out.
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Interesting.
Is this the first time someone has become club president without ever being voted on by the members?
Andrew was never voted onto (or affirmed into) the board by the members. He was appointed in 2022 and seemingly appointed again.
So once again the club is taking short cuts and not stick to a plan and see it through the club now has to sack and pay out another coach
The club is an embarrassment they never learn
Yeah, to me this doesn’t feel like Morris’ claimed imminent board challenge. Not yet, at least. Because Welsh changing roles aside, nothing else has changed at all. And the “background power brokers" aren’t part of this, seemingly.
I’m pretty sure there was an election three months after his was appointed. He would have been on that?
It’s just a blitz rumour Nino.
I think it’s unlikley, as much as I want it to be true
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If the club wants Kelly then bring him over as senior assistant and let him take over at the end of 2027
Finding Nino, Brad is gone. Time to accept it.
James Kelly is our man now. He is your new man.
Defend him with your life.
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You are correct - Just checked and that is so.
Must have missed that election 
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Is there any evidence that this Kelly rumour is even remotely true?
If the coach goes then we can say goodbye to Martin,Redman etc who have publicly backed Brad or any of the younger players
Do you think there was rumblings from Paul Little’s crew of a Board challenge.
Barham has walks away. Welsh steps into the role to quiet down the old boys….. as he’s mates and business partners with many of them.
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