Wisdom of Solomon: Essendon greats give their verdict on flag hero’s ‘call to arms’

As a player, Dean Solomon was a hard-hitting defender who struck fear into the opposition. Now as an administrator, the Essendon premiership hero has touched the hearts of past players.

Solomon’s “call to arms” for those who have donned the sash to unite behind his former teammate and new president Andrew Welsh has stoked the passions of his target audience, creating a hive of activity among the WhatsApp groups of former Bombers.

Premiership heroes Jason Johnson and Paul Salmon have both publicly backed Welsh and Solomon for stepping up at the club’s time of need after weeks of turmoil at “the Hangar”.

The rise of Welsh, the 42-year-old highly respected former player turned successful businessman, to the top job is seen as an opportunity for the club to come together and head off any challenge to the board.

Solomon’s letter comes after disgruntled captain Zach Merrett met with Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell to discuss a possible move to the Hawks, and following this week’s departure of former president David Barham.

Johnson – a two-time club champion, 2000 premiership midfielder and now a member of the influential Essendonians and Band of Bombers coterie groups – said Welsh and Solomon had galvanised past players and influential supporters.

“I reckon there’s been more love hearts sent via text messages, WhatsApp, [and] via email than they’ve sent to their missus,” Johnson said.

“I don’t think in my time at the football club we’ve had two people like this... it’s very exciting. It’s certainly got the group up and about.”

Salmon, a key figure in the Bombers’ 1985 and 1993 flags, said he had “nothing but respect and admiration” for Welsh and Solomon, both of whom have young families and run successful businesses.

“The email was wonderful, we’re all saying the same thing – a lot of passion and energy,” Salmon said.

“There are a couple of voices in Welshy and Solly that the supporters will align with and get behind.”

Solomon’s letter, sent to more than 350 past players, called for them to back Welsh’s “all in, all-heart” approach.

“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.

“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.

“We were taught to have each other’s back 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!”

Welsh played 162 games for the Bombers as a midfielder/defender and played in Essendon’s last winning final in 2004.

Once a powerhouse club of the competition, the Bombers have hit tough times since their all-conquering premiership triumph in 2000 – highlighted by the ugly fallout from the drugs scandal and the unwanted stat of not having won a final in 21 years.

The lack of on-field success has resulted in disillusionment among past players.

“From today, I’m asking we become a united front once again,” Solomon wrote. “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.”

Keep up to date with the best AFL coverage in the country. Sign up for the Real Footy newsletter.