James Hird has thrown his hat into the ring to coach Essendon again after Brad Scott's departure from the Bombers this week. The move comes as the club searches for a new head coach following Scott's sacking on Tuesday.
Scott's Exit: A Tale of Two Clubs
Brad Scott's exit from North Melbourne in 2019 was markedly different from his departure at Essendon. At North, Kangaroos president Ben Buckley praised Scott's selfless and honorable decision to step aside. Scott himself spoke optimistically, repeating that there was "nothing but blue sky for North." However, critics like David King later called him "a visitor," and the Roos struggled in the years that followed.
At Essendon, Scott was not present at the press conference announcing his departure. Many believe he was never the right fit for the club. He struggled to gain full acceptance from Essendon supporters and senior players, partly due to lingering doubts about the state he left North Melbourne in. The selection panel that hired him included former schoolmate Josh Mahoney, short-lived CEO Andrew Thorburn, and Jordan Lewis and Robert Walls, who lacked a deep connection to Essendon. Scott faced a tough job, burdened by the mistakes of previous regimes, instability, and a wretched run with injuries. The club's clarity and alignment on rebuilding came too late.
Speaking on Channel Seven after his sacking, Scott spoke candidly about the club's failings, noting that Essendon has never properly moved on from the supplements scandal and has been desperate for instant success.
The Spectre of James Hird
For some, the answer lies with James Hird, who came close to reclaiming the top job in September 2022. Former coach Kevin Sheedy, a key supporter of Hird, was confident of his appointment while celebrating trucking magnate Lindsay Fox's 85th birthday on a luxury yacht. However, upon returning to dry land, Sheedy learned that Hird had missed out.
Nearly four years on, Hird's spectre still looms large. He remains one of the most revered players by his supporter base, comparable to Lenny Hayes at St Kilda or Robbie Flower at Melbourne. Months before missing out on the top job, Hird and Sheedy were headline acts at Essendon's sesquicentennial celebrations. Dressed for the boardroom and carrying a Sherrin, Hird emerged through a plume of smoke at the MCG, as current players and old legends linked arms in a circle. However, the moment was quickly overshadowed by Patrick Cripps, who dominated the game and reminded everyone of the challenges ahead.
The past is ever-present at Essendon, from Sheedy and old legends waving scarves to board rumblings and commentary from former players in the media. On Nine's Footy Classified, Hird spoke of making Essendon great again.
A Cautionary Tale
Before the disastrous 2013 season, Hird visited Real Madrid and asked José Mourinho for the secret to success. Mourinho's reply was simple: "Win, quick." Hird was a man in a hurry then, and it nearly destroyed Essendon. It nearly cost him his life. Now, with a young, rebuilding list, a return to Hird would be the last thing the club needs. He has not been a senior coach for 11 years, has had two cracks at the top job, and remains freighted with the baggage of the supplements scandal. There are excellent candidates who would offer a fresh start and new eyes. The playing list has potential, and a sleeping giant threatens to awaken. To defer to the past and pin hopes on a messiah figure would be a monumental mistake from a club that has made more than most.
