You missed the point Foxy. Not saying they didn’t play preseason games in Sydney previously. Not saying this was the first game played in Sydney to grow the fanbase.
The Sydney preseason game in early 2000’s was a separate strategic and commercial initiative.
In the early 2000’s, Essendon wanted to grow its presence in the Sydney corporate market. It was a deliberate commercial and strategic business venture to grow its profile in the biggest corporate market. It approached the Swans to play an annual preseason game at North Sydney Oval. The choice of venue aligned with the North Sydney business district. It supported the objectives of its major partner (Orange) who wanted to grow its profile in the biggest markets in SE Australia.
It also supported this by aligning with a Sydney based secondary league club, North Shore Bombers, Redland Bombers in SEQ as part of the same strategy. It was also about a broader strategy to continue to grow the clubs national footprint and engage with the NSW fans.
The Essendon Football Club is pleased to announce that Tim Roberts has been appointed as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Roberts joined the Club’s Board as a director in 2022 and was elevated to the position of Vice President in September 2025. Roberts will transition away from the role of Vice President but will continue to hold a board position in his role as Chief Executive Officer.
The Essendon Board conducted a broad market study, followed by a targeted search and then identified Roberts as the best candidate for the position and to lead the Club forward.
The Club is also pleased to announce that Craig Vozzo has accepted a position to continue working with the Club as a List and Recruitment consultant, focusing on List Management strategy, recruiting, and salary cap management.
Board member is the best CEO candidate.
Can’t say that’s the way teams usually do their search for a sporting CEO. Unless they have some good recent history and a good support network around them.
I really do wish Tim Roberts the best. He seems a nice guy and is passionate about Essendon.
But this does (and it is no fault of Tim, nor questioning his eligibility or capability) seem a bit like we just couldn’t attract anyone from outside the club into the role.
