WELSH, Andrew

Andrew Welsh was selected in the 2000 Vic Metro Under 16s squad and was vice-captain of the Vic Metro side in 2001. He captained the Calder Cannons in the TAC Cup competition and was recruited from there in the 2001 National Draft as a third round pick at number 47 overall.

He came to Essendon as a hard-nosed defender who was rarely beaten in one-on-one contests. He was mature and very strong at the ball and able to match up on both big and small forwards.

Welsh debuted in round 7, 2002 at the MCG against Carlton, and made an excellent impression in his first year with his strong attack on the ball. He finished the year with 15 senior games and played in both finals games that year. He was named Essendon's Best First Year Player.

He played 22 games in 2003 and developed into an aggressive back pocket player with plenty of drive.

He had a solid year in 2004 despite breaking his hand in the opening round, and finished tenth in the club's best and fairest, accumulating a total of 359 possessions in 22 senior games. He played mainly in the backline where he was rarely beaten.

Welsh was a reliable and solid support for Dustin Fletcher in the backline not only containing his opponent but winning many possessions himself. This on-field leadership was acknowledged by his team-mates at the end of 2004 when he was elevated into the Essendon leadership group.

He missed only a hand full of games over the next few seasons and consistently provided rebound from defence, winning one-on-one duels, running hard, and using the ball creatively.

In a pre-season intra-club game in February 2009 Welsh suffered a horrific injury breaking his leg and dislocating his ankle. Following five months of rehabilitation Welsh returned to senior football in round 12 that year. Even more surprising was his next game when he put in a superb performance on Carlton champion Chris Judd. Welsh and won three Brownlow votes for the match.

Welsh played his 150th game for Essendon in the 2010 Anzac Day clash with Collingwood, but was injured the following week and missed the next four games. He returned to play another five games his last against Melbourne in rd 15 then missed the rest of the season with a groin complaint which required surgery. Welsh was due to return to senior football in Round 6 game 2011 against the new Gold Coast team but was again delayed with a strained a calf muscle. He took the field in Round 12, a full eleven months from his previous game and played six games for the season.

After 10 seasons and 162 games Andrew Welsh announced his retirement on 7th October 2011, citing a recurring ankle problem for his decision. He was an immensely popular figure among the Bombers faithful for his work ethic and commitment.

After retirement, he briefly went to the USA in an attempt to establish an acting career but soon returned and spent some time as a boundary rider on TV. He then became a very successful property developer who was worth $173 million in 2021. He was appointed to the Board on 26 September 2022.