Sydney coach Dean Cox said the Swans are prepared for the possibility assistant Mark McVeigh may be named as Essendon's senior coach as the club searches for the 2026 premiership.
McVeigh is one of the four remaining candidates vying for the Bombers position, with James Hird, Murray Davis and Jaymie Graham still in the running.
Intrigue built as the Swans and Bombers faced off in the final game of Round 23 at the MCG, with Sydney emerging victors by 36 points.
“That's one thing this football club's done well for a long period of time, which is to be ready for the unexpected or if something does arise,” Cox said.
“And we've had those meetings, discussions. We're really clear on what will happen if he was or wasn't to get the position.”
It's happened before when assistant coaches take up senior roles at rival clubs while their side is pursuing a flag.
Melbourne coach Steven King was employed by Geelong leading into last year's grand final. The Demons announced King as Simon Goodwin's replacement on September 11. The decider was played two weeks later between the Cats and Brisbane.
McVeigh is understood to be the leading candidate in the Essendon coaching race, returning to the club he played 232 games.
“That's been a credit to Mark and the Essendon approach and the way that's handled,” Cox said.
“For me, as long as Mark's doing his job, which he's doing - and then I understand that I want to develop people as well and give them an opportunity to live their dreams and coach AFL footy.
“So we're, as a club, really supportive of that, and he's been really respectful in doing what he has to do whilst also focusing a little bit on the future as well.”
Since retiring at the end of 2012, McVeigh joined the media as well as the coaching caper.
He spent time with GWS from 2015 in a variety of roles, and then was the Giants caretaker when Leon Cameron departed midway through 2022.
At the end of his 13-game tenure, McVeigh switched to Sydney under John Longmire, and remained to assist Dean Cox.
