For the second straight year, Essendon will have a contested board election

And former premiership player Dean Solomon stepped off the board to become an assistant coach at the club, his position on the board filled by former Essendon and Sydney player Ted Richards.

Since taking over from Barham, Welsh has stressed the need for stability and unity at the club, a position that was made difficult by this year’s captain Zach Merrett unsuccessfully seeking a trade out of the club.

“The last couple of months have been galvanising for the club. People who had walked away from the club for a variety of reasons have re-engaged,” Welsh said.

“Zach’s announcement and the approach he has taken [in stepping down from the captaincy] in seeing a clear direction for the club was important for us.