Essendon legend Kevin Sheedy insists that James Hird, now more mature after a decade of personal and professional growth, would be a vastly improved coach if given the opportunity to return to the senior role. Sheedy remains a steadfast supporter of Hird as the Bombers seek a replacement for Brad Scott, who departed in May.
Sheedy's Unwavering Support for Hird
The 78-year-old Sheedy, who was the only member of Essendon's selection panel to vote for Hird when Scott was appointed in September 2022, has not changed his stance. "I had my vote four years and I haven't changed it. Everybody knows that," Sheedy told AAP. He added, "Maybe that (appointing Hird over Scott) might've been a good decision when you look back too."
Hird's first stint as coach was marred by the supplements scandal that rocked the club. He has repeatedly expressed interest in returning to the role he last held in 2015. Sheedy noted, "I would think that James Hird would have matured a hell of a lot in the last decade because he's gone through a hell of a lot." Hird has since gained experience coaching in the VFL and as a media commentator, which Sheedy believes has been beneficial. "I remember doing TV for a couple of years before I got the Essendon coaching job. It was one of the better things I did," Sheedy said.
Essendon's Struggles Under Scott and Interim Coach
Scott's tenure ended with a 29-50-1 record and no finals appearances in three full seasons. The Bombers endured a club-record 17-game losing streak that extended into this season, with just one win for the year. Under interim coach Dean Solomon, the team is 0-5, and Sheedy described Solomon's role as "just about the hardest coaching job in AFL history" this season.
Essendon's latest defeat was a 67-point loss to St Kilda on Sunday, during which Sheedy caused a stir by pleading with fans not to leave early. This was part of a promotion for ride-hailing firm DiDi, where Sheedy urges supporters to "lose like a champion" rather than depart before the final siren.
Hope for the Future and Recruiting Push
Sheedy urged the club to remain positive through the tough period. "We'll turn it around eventually. It wasn't all that long ago where most of the top clubs were down the bottom at some time," he said. He emphasized the need for "a lot of hard work and good planning and good decision-making," particularly regarding the new coach and recruiting. "Firstly, the decision-making (around a new coach) and then make sure you get the right recruits because you can't win without great players," Sheedy added.
Essendon officials reportedly met with Brisbane star Lachie Neale over the weekend, as the dual Brownlow medallist's playing future beyond this season remains undecided. "I'd talk to all the best players in the country right now if I was Essendon," Sheedy said. "I'd be out there recruiting diligently right now ... and he's just one of the top-class players."
Neale will be a key figure for Brisbane against Essendon on Sunday at the Gabba, where a Bombers win would be one of the greatest upsets in AFL history. "It's a tough game we're in and you've got to be resilient," Sheedy said. "If we go up there and play well, then it gives some Bomber fans a bit of spark. Maybe if it's a tight, tough game Bomber fans will accept that against a very, very outstanding club in Brisbane the way they are at the moment."
