Solomon rejects rift rumours with McVeigh and Hird as Essendon nears coaching call

Interim Essendon coach Dean Solomon has dismissed rumours of a rift with coaching candidates Mark McVeigh and James Hird as "like an episode of Home and Away." Solomon said he was "bitterly disappointed" at suggestions he would refuse to work under either man. He called McVeigh a best mate since age 15. Essendon could name their next coach as early as next week.