James Hird’s Return to Essendon: A New Chapter or Repeating Mistakes?
James Hird has made it clear that he wants to return as the coach of Essendon, acknowledging his past mistakes and promising that he has learned from the scandal that nearly ended his career. His announcement has sparked a mix of hope and controversy among fans, with many recalling the painful chapter in the club’s history linked to the drugs scandal.
Hird, who previously coached Essendon from 2011 to 2013, is now seeking another opportunity to lead the team. He has publicly apologized for his role in the decline of the club and emphasized that he has grown from the experience. “The most important thing for me as an Essendon person and what I want to see the football club to do … is for them to go through the most exhaustive process possible for them to find the best person to coach Essendon,” he said during an interview with the Nine Network.
If the club approaches him, Hird is eager to participate in the selection process. “That is something I would love to be part of, pit my wares against the other coaches and see if I am the best man for the job,” he added. If he is chosen, he expressed his willingness to take on the role again.
A Controversial Past
Hird’s interest in returning has already divided Essendon supporters. The trauma caused by the club’s drugs scandal remains fresh in the minds of many. During his tenure, the AFL banned him for 2014 due to his involvement in the anti-doping regime. This led to 34 players receiving suspensions, marking one of the darkest periods in Essendon’s history.
“I will put my hand up and say I was part of the mistakes that were made at Essendon in 2011 and 2012. They were partly my fault and I put my hand up,” Hird admitted. He also acknowledged the long-term impact of the scandal on himself, the club, and its supporters. “A lot of time has gone … I’ve suffered a lot, the football club has suffered a lot and the supporters – mostly – have suffered a lot. And I think it’s time for everyone to kick in and make this club great again.”
Lessons Learned
Hird has spoken about how he has improved since those difficult years. He recognized that he lacked oversight on certain individuals during his previous coaching stint and now pays more attention to detail. This growth, he believes, has prepared him for a potential return to the helm.
His previous attempt to re-enter coaching came in 2022, when he applied for the Essendon role. Kevin Sheedy, a board member, supported Hird over Brad Scott. Sheedy expressed confidence that Hird would not make the same mistakes again, stating, “If Hird got another chance, he wouldn’t muck this one up.”
Despite his earlier claim that he had no interest in coaching again, Hird has since changed his mind. His passion for the job has returned, and he is now ready to take on the challenge once more.
A Likely Contender
Ken Hinkley, former Port Adelaide coach, believes that other potential candidates may not even consider applying if Hird is seen as the front-runner. “Essendon now have to decide before anything else, before they ask any other person, they have to decide whether James Hird is going to be their coach,” Hinkley told SEN radio.
He added, “I can’t imagine anyone entering the race for the Essendon coaching job, with James now looking like he’s one-out, one-back in the pole position with all the things that have gone on in the past. It looks like this is somewhat James Hird’s job.”
A Journey of Resilience
Hird’s journey back to coaching has not been easy. After leaving Essendon in 2015, he faced significant personal challenges. The stress from the scandal took a toll on his health, leading to a hospitalization in early 2017 after an overdose of sleeping pills. Since then, he has taken on a role as a coaching director at the VFL team Port Melbourne.
Despite these struggles, Hird remains deeply connected to Essendon. “Let’s go forward with this club and make it the best club in the AFL again,” he said, expressing his commitment to the team.
A Future Filled with Possibilities
As Essendon prepares for the next season, the decision on the senior coach will be crucial. Hird’s return could bring a sense of continuity and renewed energy to the club. However, it also raises questions about whether the past can truly be left behind.
With Hird showing interest and the support of some key figures, the path forward for Essendon seems uncertain but full of potential. Whether he returns or not, the club’s future will depend on the choices made by its leadership and the lessons learned from its turbulent history.
