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Silver Ferns LIVE from 7.30pmRallying cry: The passionate email sent by former Bomber
Sam Edmund • September 24th, 2025 10:31 am
Essendon premiership star Dean Solomon has written to hundreds of former Bombers players, imploring them to come together in support of new president Andrew Welsh.
In a passionate rallying cry launched shortly after Welsh took the presidency yesterday morning, Solomon emailed hundreds of ex-players, demanding they come together and end any bickering.
Reports of a board challenge emerged over the weekend in the wake of a turbulent season plagued by injury and ending with captain Zach Merrett wanting out.
But Solomon, a member of Essendon’s all-conquering 2000 team, said the appointment of Welsh – “a bloke we have been in the trenches with” – was an opportunity to heal.
“In my time as a player at Essendon F.C, I was incredibly lucky to witness the cultural ‘legacy leadership’ from the likes of Mark Harvey, Robert Shaw & Terry Daniher etc,” Solomon wrote in his email.
“We were taught to have each other’s backs unconditionally - fiercely protect our own, the jumper & the club at all costs. We all win together, we all lose together.
“Andrew is also a byproduct of this. This is what he stands for and what his vision reflects for the future of our club. It’s our turn to pass this onto our young playing group!
“From today, I’m asking we become a united front once again. We throw our full support behind Andrew and give him every chance to maximise this opportunity to lead our club.
“Today’s announcement is a big step in the right direction in getting the best version of EFC.
“Lads, I’m asking you to come with us. We need you and want you onboard! It’s time to light the fire, get your passion back & be proud to be an Essendon person/player.”
Solomon and Welsh were Essendon teammates for five seasons in the early 2000s, with the former making his name as an uncompromising defender through 158 games for the club.
His email comes at a time in which the Bombers are under siege.
“In light of recent events and this mornings news I wanted to reach out to each of you,” he wrote.
“I’m incredibly proud of this bloke (He will hate me saying this) - the hours he puts in, the passion and drive he has to get our great club back to how we once knew it is second to none.
“Let’s all acknowledge the selfless nature and the “All in - All heart” approach from Woosha here!!
“With Andrew Welsh being a past player, a bloke we have been in the trenches presents us all an opportunity to UNITE. A ‘Call to Arms’ if you like.”
