This was published 11 years ago
The rise and fall of James Hird
WWOS staff
James Hird was revered as one of Essendon's greatest players during a distinguished 16-year career that included two premierships, a Brownlow Medal and a Norm Smith Medal.
It was hailed as the return of the club's prodigal son when he took the reins as Bombers coach in 2011, but quickly found himself engulfed in controversy when news broke of ASADA's investigation into the club's 2012 supplements program.
After nearly four years in charge, his ill-fated coaching tenure ended with his resignation.
James Hird is regarded as one of the greatest players of the modern era.
He joined the Bombers in late 1990 but a hip injury prevented his debut in 1991.
At the end of that first season, a vote was actually held on whether to delist him.
Hird eventually made his debut in 1992.
While he wasn't an immediate star, he gained regular senior selecton in 1993.
Playing as a midfielder and forward, Hird read the game like few others.
During that breakout year of '93 he became known as one of the 'Baby Bombers'.
The side, under coach Kevin Sheedy, made it all the way to the Grand Final.
