@FPLBeggzySC Hmm and which Hawk goes to him if he rests up forward? Battle or Sic? Dogs would back him in a 1 on 1 most times against that back 6! Think ive convinced myself to go the VC haha
Feels strange to watch this unfold.
On one hand, James Hird was my footy idol growing up. There would absolutely be a sense of romance in seeing the prodigal son return and lead Essendon back to greatness.
But on the other hand, what has Hird actually done since leaving Essendon to prove he is committed to becoming an elite AFL head coach?
Since departing in 2015, he spent six years entirely out of the sport to focus on his health. He then took on a part-time 'leadership mentoring' role at GWS, unsuccessfully applied for the Essendon coaching job in 2022, and later accepted a Director of Coaching role at Port Melbourne in 2024.
That is not the CV of someone relentlessly committed to honing their craft. If he truly wanted to build his coaching credentials, I am sure there would have been ample opportunity to do so. A state league club or a private school program im sure would have gladly taken him.
But those jobs are not glamorous. They are hard work, low profile, and miles away from the spotlight. It is far easier to carve out a comfortable career in television and then reappear when the Essendon job becomes available.
There is a significant element of entitlement in all of this.
Hirdโs pitch seems to rest heavily on sentiment: Essendon is in his blood, he understands the club, he loves the club, his family legacy runs deep etc etc.
It feels as though Hird wants access to one of the biggest coaching jobs in the country without having done the unglamorous apprenticeship that almost everyone else is expected to do. He should not get to bypass the queue because of nostalgia.
Essendon must run a rigorous process to find the best available head coach. Past playing history at the club should be irrelevant. The only thing that should matter is coaching quality. The idea that the best available candidate could be someone who has not held an on field coaching role for 11 years is laughable.
If, after missing out in 2022, Hird had gone away, coached his own team, developed his craft, and built a compelling body of work, I would have no issue with his application.
But simply putting your hand up every four or five years when the Essendon job becomes available, while spending the intervening years working in TV is not it.
@SilverTopHurls Agree mate. Love Hirdy but just don't think it's the right call. Regardless, hoping for the best on whoever they choose.
Realistically, what kind of coach would be willing to even apply now that Hird has stated he wants it? They won't want to waste their time.
Bit of a mid-season update. I'm doing pretty well overall but struggling in my H2H cash league. Bruhn and Whitfield late outs this week killed me.
Here's hoping I have some luck go my way. Can't wait to see who is injured this week (sad lol) #SuperCoach#TheCurse
2 late outs in 1 week (Bruhn and Whitfield) and both of them were unique in my H2H Cash League match up. You wouldnt fkn read about it would ya?! This year can get in the bin, had a gut full #SuperCoach