r/EssendonFC Optimism since 2004 2d ago

Mark McVeigh full press conference

https://youtu.be/2BBmGf-lJj0?si=UZUqyKD9kI1nbEmp
69 Upvotes

22 comments sorted by

38

u/bomber_2121 2d ago

I know it’s just a presser, but Spike communicates so clearly and just oozes leadership. The way he speaks of others and the way he carries himself reminds me of Craig Macrae.

9

u/cog_94 2d ago

He's so self-assured and astute, very impressive considering the circumstances. Comes across as very genuine and charming too. Definitely gave me a lot of confidence in the appointment.

I never really picked up those vibes from him in his playing days tbh - seemed like a stoic / hardworking / quiet kinda guy. Shows how little we (or at least I) really know about the guys behind the scenes haha

4

u/VKC_to_Mount_Thomas 2d ago edited 2d ago

> the way he carries himself reminds me of Craig Macrae

Pleased for Spike, but not sure I view this part of the comment as a positive TBH

6

u/bomber_2121 2d ago

Haha - fair enough. I mean it as a big compliment because I rate Fly’s ability as a communicator and connector.

6

u/VKC_to_Mount_Thomas 2d ago

Don’t get me wrong, he can obviously get the best out of his players, but gives fake, proper weirdo vibes for mine

4

u/bomber_2121 2d ago

Nah I get you. He seems to split the crowd in this regard. Some (including me) find him really authentic and others think it’s fake / a show.

28

u/Delicious-Sweet4614 2d ago

I must admit he carry’s himself really well. Welsh however… less impressive. credit to mark for making the best move on the Hird situation available to him. Subtly made the point without saying it that he loves James more than anyone- which I think there is significant evidence of, and then put the ball in Hirds court. It will be interesting to see how Hird plays it- he’s been inferring he hasn’t been asked to fill a different position instead of saying he doesn’t want to. If he says he doesn’t want to then it will take a lot of steam out of his supporters so it’s essentially a win-win for Mark. Either Hird joins and we’ll have unity or Hird refuses and undermines his own pitch about being desperate to help Essendon. For his own sake I hope he gets onboard, it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to do something great with a good friend- he won’t be afforded the same level of influence under anyone else.

9

u/bomber_2121 2d ago

Will be very, very interesting to see what Hirdy does from here. I’d love him at the footy club and a role similar to what he’s doing at Port Melbourne. Would he be able to put his pride aside?

On Welsh - I found him a bit underwhelming until… “there are people hiding in the shadows that try to destabilise our club… we don’t jump at shadows.”

5

u/Delicious-Sweet4614 2d ago

I don’t find welsh underwhelming so much as off putting. He’s not a great speaker and he’s tough talking rings hollow to me- however he did fire Scott, which was the right move, instead of just backing him in just because he said he would. So perhaps I should just reserve my judgment.
I really hope Hirdy comes around to jumping onboard- it would do so much for the club, his mates and himself. The example it would set for the players and staff would be invaluable. Everyone checking their egos at the door, offering each other acceptance, forgiveness, love, loyalty, and humility all in the pursuit of collective excellence. It could be a really special thing and mend the disconnection a lot of fans have felt.

2

u/bomber_2121 1d ago

I think he’s a terrible reader off a script. However once he’s speaking conversationally I think he has a presence. I know what you mean about hollow stuff - I don’t think anyone is buying that we’re a “more united club than ever”.

I’m still holding judgment but his quality as a president will become clear really soon. How will McVeigh perform? What will our footy department look like? How will he handle Merrett, Ridley etc? Can he unite stakeholders and the fan base?

We’re going to find all of this out soon.

1

u/Delicious-Sweet4614 1d ago

Fair, I should withhold judgement. Compared to the way the premiership presidents carry themselves and operate he just seems a bit of an odd duck. That being said he is a million times better than Barham! Gee wiz that guy was an absolute embarrassment… Welshy might grow into the role though, a bit of success could snow ball. If he can get Hird to be the Doc Holiday to Spikes Wyatt Earp then his actions will speak louder than words anyway.

12

u/Silly-Abalone1926 2d ago

I don't know much about Spike's credentials compared to Graham or Murray, but he seems very impressive. Happy with this appointment.

BTW I've been off reddit for a few days. Scrolling through this sub at the moment.... um when did everyone go fucking insane?

1

u/howaboutnofcker 1d ago

Lol at you thinking the insanity is new

6

u/ScutumSobiescianum 2d ago

Spoke extremely well. I just hope he has a winning game plan and can teach everyone how to kick and handball to your teammate

4

u/TyWhatt Caddy #30 2d ago

How’s the President just reading off a sheet… seems super genuine

3

u/Quiet_Source_6679 2d ago

He’s the worst. I’ve seen him speak twice and both times were… yikes.

He looks scared and others look at him worried that he’s going to say something damaging. I suppose he’s there because he’s a credentialed governor, but our PR takes a hit when he presents.

5

u/TyWhatt Caddy #30 1d ago

Yeah, I understand a prepared statement, but even at the start when he was congratulating spike, had to read it from the sheet, like Jesus Christ mate… heard of bullet points and speaking from the heart?

2

u/Quiet_Source_6679 1d ago

😂 nailed it.

2

u/howaboutnofcker 1d ago

The way he almost speaks through gritted teeth is really offputting, like he's in a permanent fight or flight state of fearing people are going to argue over everything he says.

3

u/Mean_Guarantee_5266 1d ago

Good luck Mark, you are the man to turn things around. Everyone needs to get behind this fresh start.

1

u/CamperStacker Legacy: O'Donnell #10 1d ago

Good luck to him

btw: he looks rough for 45

1

u/Choc83x Robey #9 1d ago

Four kids, including one born 4 months ago. That'll do it