There is one key name on the list of Essendon candidates who has flown under the radar.

Tom Morris reported on Wednesday night that there are six initial contenders for the Bombers vacancy, including James Hird, Hayden Skipworth, James Kelly, Corey Enright and Jaymie Graham.

Also on that list is Mark McVeigh who played 232 games for the Dons through the 2000s and early 2010s.

Affectionally known as ‘Spike’, McVeigh is currently at the Sydney Swans as part of Dean Cox’s coaching staff, joining them in 2023.

That move came after spending time at GWS inclusive of his spell as caretaker coach in 2022, winning four from 13 games after Leon Cameron's exit.

While other names have been mentioned more frequently in prospective senior coaching circles, Sam Edmund firmly believes that McVeigh will make his presence felt in the process.

“I reckon ‘Spike’ is seriously one to watch,” Edmund said on SEN Breakfast.

“He has kept a low profile. Maybe we should be talking about him more.

“This is crystal balling but I reckon he will go really deep in the process. It could be close.”

Brekkie co-host Morris is intrigued to see how it all plays out between former teammates Hird, McVeigh and current interim Dean Solomon.

“On a recent emergency Fireball podcast after Brad Scott got sacked, I just floated the possibility that in the end you could have a combination of James Hird, Mark McVeigh and Dean Solomon all fighting for the same job when they’re all close friends,” said Morris.

“That would be really interesting. I think that’s red hot. I’m with you completely on McVeigh.”

Also among the candidates for the Bombers job, additionally to Morris’ list, is Western Bulldogs assistant Daniel Pratt who confirmed on SEN in recent times that he would be open to pursuing a senior coaching gig.

The number of candidates is expected to balloon to double figures.