Mick Ferrante to lead Essendon Royals into 2026

The Essendon Royals are delighted to confirm that Michael Ferrante will continue as Senior Men’s Head Coach in 2026.

Ferrante is a Royal through and through, representing the club as a junior before finishing his distinguished senior career at the club and transitioning to coaching. 

Next season will be his fifth year at the helm.

Ferrante led the club to promotion out of State League One North-West in 2022 and secured VPL2 survival the following year. 

Since then, Essendon has remained among the promotion contenders, finishing fourth in 2024 and narrowly missing out on a playoff spot last season by a single point. 

“Last season, it’s given me a lot of motivation for the season coming,” he said.

“I think we let ourselves down after the position we put ourselves in at the halfway mark. There were circumstances that affected that, but I don’t hide away from the fact that we let ourselves down.

“That has given me a lot of motivation to get back into it and to correct some wrongs.”

The offseason has been a busy one for the Royals, with Ferrante working alongside his coaching staff to secure the return of key players and adding new names to the mix. 

“It’s about bringing in some quality. Not just names or reputations, but quality people, players and characters,” he said.

“I think we lacked a bit of character in some key defining moments last year, which we want to make right next year.

“That and depth and fitness. We want to keep as many players fit for the whole season, because that did hurt us last year … so that’s going to be a big priority for me and my staff.”

Keep an eye on the Royals socials over the coming weeks, with some exciting announcements to come.