Newly crowned Essendon coach Mark McVeigh has got on the front foot and put forward a move that will likely be lapped up by the Bombers hierarchy and faithful.
McVeigh has asked former teammate and Essendon premiership hero Mark Johnson to join the Bombers' coaching staff for 2027.
It would be in a part-time role as tackling coach.
Essendon has been known for its poor defensive output over the past few seasons, with McVeigh eager to change that with the addition of Johnson, as per a report by Code Sports.
During Johnson's nine seasons and 194 games at Essendon, he was regarded as a tough, professional and uncompromising midfielder.
Since his retirement at the end of the 2008 season, Johnson has earned a black belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu and has become a teacher.
Essendon is a club that loves its own. Highlighted by the push for former beloved Bombers James Hird and to a lesser extent McVeigh to become coach after Brad Scott was sacked mid-year.
It would be McVeigh's first appointment to his coaching staff as he looks to bring arguably the league's biggest sleeping giant back to its feet and fighting for finals.
Johnson played 208 games during his career; 194 at Essendon and a further 14 at Fremantle for one season in 2008.
