James Hird in Frame to Return as Essendon Coach

The single sharpest fact in the AFL world right now is that James Hird, the polarising figure who was once at the centre of Essendon's supplements saga, is being seriously considered to return as the club's senior coach. This news broke just hours after Brad Scott's sacking was made public, sparking a frenzy of speculation about who might replace him.

And, yes, it's a surprise to many. But Hird has his fans, and some of them are influential. Former Hawk Jordan Lewis, who was on the subcommittee that selected Essendon's coach in 2022, has talked him up, saying he was impressed by Hird's presentation back then. Lewis told SEN that Hird understands the game and presented really well, adding that he's lost to the game by not being in a senior position.

But what makes Hird's potential return so interesting is the backstory. He was suspended in 2014 over the supplements saga, and by late 2015, he'd chosen to leave Essendon as the toll of the saga and poor on-field results hit hard. Yet, despite all that, club legend Kevin Sheedy is pushing for Hird to get another chance, saying he hopes Hird will coach in the AFL again and do a great job.

"If I'm honest, I was impressed by him. I really was," Lewis told SEN about Hird's presentation in 2022.

"For me, what I saw and experienced – I still think he understands the game. He presented really well."

"He's lost to the game not being in [a] senior position," Lewis added.

Sheedy, who was a board member at the time, had strongly pushed for Hird over Scott four years ago. Now, he's hoping Hird will get his chance, saying he knows it depends on who does the interview, but he's convinced Hird would do a great job. Sheedy even joked that he hopes Hird doesn't end up coaching Carlton, saying they'd lose too many fans if that happened.

As the news of Scott's sacking emerged, club great Tim Watson discussed Hird on SEN, confirming there's a strong push from many people to get Hird back at Essendon as coach. Watson said Essendon people want success and the right person, and right now, many think that might be James Hird. However, Watson also stressed the need for a proper coach search. They can't just rush into a decision, or they won't find the best candidate.

Hird himself has said coaching is his clear choice of all the jobs he's had, telling Nine's Footy Classified, "You'd absolutely be a senior AFL coach, you would." He added that if you love coaching, the passion for coaching and putting a team together is the highest thrill you can get outside of playing. It's what drives him, and he can't imagine doing anything else.

On Tuesday, Essendon president Welsh didn't shed any light on the club's interest in Hird, saying they're not ruling anyone in or out and that there will likely be many people interested in the role. Welsh's statement has only added to the speculation, leaving fans and pundits alike wondering if Hird will indeed make a return to the role he once held. They're all waiting to see what happens next.

The history between Hird and Essendon is complex, to say the least. After the supplements saga, Hird was suspended, and by the time he returned, the club was still reeling from the aftermath. His eventual departure was seen as a necessary step for the club to move forward, but now, it seems some are willing to give him another chance. They don't think he's been given enough time to prove himself, and they won't write him off just yet.

Hird has since spent time as an assistant coach at GWS in 2022 and holds a director of coaching role at VFL club Port Melbourne. He also appears regularly on Channel Nine, keeping his profile high in the AFL community. His experience and profile make him a significant figure in the coaching landscape, and his potential return to Essendon would undoubtedly be a major story. It would be a significant step for the club, and it would show that they're willing to take a chance on him.

As the days go by, we'll see how this story unfolds. Will Hird return to Essendon, or will the club opt for a different path? The decision will have significant implications for the club and its fans. They're all waiting to see what happens, and they won't know for sure until the club makes an announcement.

In the context of Australian football, this story is massive. The AFL is one of the most popular sports leagues in the country, and Essendon is one of its most historic clubs. The supplements saga was a major scandal that rocked the league, and Hird's potential return raises questions about whether he's been given a second chance too soon. It's a complicated issue, and there aren't any easy answers.

As for what happens next, it's anyone's guess. The club will undergo a coaching search, and Hird's name will undoubtedly be in the mix. But for now, the speculation will continue, and fans will be left wondering if Hird will indeed make a return to the role he once held. They won't stop talking about it, and it'll be a major topic of discussion.

And, as the arvo sun sets over Melbourne, one thing is clear - the AFL world is watching this story closely. Will Hird get his chance, or will it be someone else? We'll have to wait and see. The club will make a decision, and it'll be based on what they think is best for the team.

But for now, the question on everyone's lips is - can James Hird really return as Essendon coach? It's a tough one to answer, but one thing is for sure - this is a story that will keep us all talking for weeks to come. The debate won't die down anytime soon, and it'll be interesting to see how it all plays out.

So, what do you reckon, mate? Will Hird get the job, or will it be someone else? Let us know what you think. We're all eager to hear your opinions, and we won't ignore them. We'll take them into account, and we'll see what happens next.