Essendon have confirmed that Kevin Sheedy and Craig Bellamy will be involved in the selection process for their next AFL senior coach.

There was some media criticism on Monday when Sheedy was a notable absentee from the Bombers’ five-person selection panel.

Sheedy, their four-time premiership coach and one of the greatest figures in the club’s history, now works at Essendon in a club projects and innovation role.

Bellamy, the Melbourne Storm coach, will also be consulted as the Bombers make the crucial decision.

“It’s important we have perspective in our thinking,” chief executive Xavier Campbell told the club website.

“Sheeds … started coaching 30 years ago and he coached as recently as three or four years ago.

“I’ve spoken to and will continue to have conversations with Sheeds about what he thinks are the key attributes needed to be a successful coach.”

Likewise, Bellamy is well-respected in the AFL for his success as a coach.

“We’re really looking forward to learning more about Craig’s coaching philosophies,” Campbell said.

“He’s led the Storm through a period of sustained success and will provide an important sounding board throughout this process.”

Two-time Hawthorn premiership player has joined Campbell, Essendon board member Chris Heffernan, former senior coach Neale Daniher and Essendon’s people and culture manager Lisa Lawry on the selection sub-committee.