ESSENDON VFL coach Dan Jordan has praised former Imperials footballer Matt Dea’s leadership following the end of the Bombers’ 2019 campaign at the hands of Williamstown at the weekend.

Dea, 27, had already announced his retirement – effective once his commitment with Essendon for season 2019 ended – before the finals with Williamstown’s 26 point win signalling that.

Dea and fellow AFL-...