Essendon president Andrew Welsh was fired up when asked about the potential of a board challenge, saying the club has "never been more united".
Long-term Essendon member Brett Crabtree will follow through on his threat to challenge the Bombers board after James Hird was overlooked for the senior coaching position, which was won by Mark McVeigh.
Crabtree has been vocal about his desire, supported by a number of Essendon fans, to see Hird return to the club as senior coach.
The 33-year-tenured member acknowledged McVeigh's appointment, but vowed to take "appropriate action to restore relevancy to our once great club".
“I sit here year after year, and we get people coming out of the shadows that want to challenge the board,” Welsh said.
“I can tell you this club has never been more united.
“There are people living in the shadows that want to destabilise this club. We don't jump at shadows.”
Crabtree continued by insisting on the formal process that must be followed, with his imminent challenge set to assess whether every step taken is correct.
"We were prepared for this outcome," the LinkedIn post read.
"This is not about who was appointed coach, and we congratulate Mark McVeigh; he will get all the support he needs. This is about decades-long failures at every level, accentuated by an inept process to find the best person to coach the club.
"However, this is something that needs to be done properly. There is a formal process that must be followed, and we are making sure every step is undertaken correctly, within the Club's constitution and with the appropriate level of member support.
"This is not about rushing, grandstanding or creating unnecessary noise. It is about making sure the members' concerns are formally and properly heard.
"There is a lot happening behind the scenes, and we will provide members with further information when we are in a position to do so.
"The objective is clear: accountability, proper governance and putting the future of the Essendon Football Club first."
McVeigh was officially unveiled as Essendon coach on Monday for the next three years, beating out Hird, Jaymie Graham and Murray Davis.
