Essendon has announced that VFL Senior Coach Blake Caracella will be leaving the club to take up an assistant coaching role with the Richmond Football Club for the 2025 season.

Caracella, a 2000 premiership player with the Bombers, returned to Essendon as an assistant coach in 2020 after successful coaching stints with Richmond, Geelong, and Collingwood. In 2023, he transitioned to the VFL head coaching role, where he played a key role in shaping a new-look squad. Under his guidance, Essendon’s VFL side won six of its last seven games, narrowly missing out on finals.

Essendon’s GM of AFL, Daniel McPherson, praised Caracella for his contributions, highlighting his influence across different roles during his time with the club.

“Blake has been a terrific contributor to the Essendon Football Club, initially as a 126-game premiership player and more recently in a number of different coaching roles from 2020–2024, including leading our VFL program this season,” McPherson said. “We thank ‘Cara’ for his significant contribution to our club in recent years and wish him all the best in his new role with the Tigers.”

Reflecting on his time with Essendon, Caracella spoke fondly of the club: “I have many fond memories, both playing and coaching, at the Essendon Football Club. I wish the players and supporters success in the near future.”

Caracella’s move to Richmond marks a homecoming of sorts, having previously served as an assistant coach with the Tigers during their 2017 premiership-winning campaign. His wealth of experience and tactical acumen will undoubtedly be a key asset for Richmond as they aim to return to the top of the AFL ladder.