If the last few days proved something, it’s that Essendon Football Club will do anything for James Hird, and that Hird will take anything from Essendon. If he were to try giving for a change, the best offering would be to walk away and never come back.
When club chairman Paul Little fronted a press conference on Wednesday, he was frustrated with the latest episode in the Hird saga, damned the damage it had done, then confirmed that no action would be taken.
Hird is often described as Essendon’s favourite son, but here he was playing the troublesome teenager, with Little forced into the role of over-indulgent dad.
“We’re really disappointed in James for crashing the car in a drag race,” he might say, “but he was very upset, so we sent him to the holiday house in Lorne for a week to think it over.” No doubt bodysurfing a wave of remorse.
James Hird and Essendon have a weird relationship. For so long, Hird represented perfection. As a player he was footy’s golden child: boyishly blond, sublimely skilled, graceful yet courageous on the field, eloquent and upright off it. He was a pretty boy who played like a hard nut, had a magician’s bag of tricks and inspired as a leader.
The infatuation was such that three years after Hird retired, his idle musings about coaching were enough to destabilise then-coach Matthew Knights. By the next season Hird was at the helm, with zero games of coaching experience, zero games of assistant coaching experience, and a ten-year, dual-premiership coach in Mark Thompson as his own nominal assistant.
In Essendon-land, this fitted the mythos. When the Messiah returns, the chosen people aren’t going to quiz him about his work experience.
So when Hird was suspended after last year’s supplement scandal it led to a crisis of identity, both for Hird and the club at large. Devotees were not used to Hird being less than perfect. Hird was not used to being less than adored.
The response from both was to cast the man as a martyr, sacrificed at the altar of AFL expedience. It has been an enthusiastic refrain. From civilised Twitter conversations to outright conspiracy blogs, the Hird defence revolves around the AFL being shifty and natural justice being denied.
For those Dons not yet incoherent with rage, I agree with a lot of those points. The AFL’s conduct was dubious. As with the Melbourne tanking case, the league was judge and jury, and came out with contradictory findings and sanctions. The Essendon hearings were not about assessing guilt but negotiating penalties.
You’re right that the ASADA investigation has been a botch as well, taking over a year without answering what should be relatively simple questions.
And yes, Tania Hird’s allegation about an AFL tip-off is worth investigating, even if your indignation is perplexing given a tip-off would only have helped the club.
But none of that changes what we already know happened at Essendon.
We know that Hird enthusiastically backed a supplements program involving numerous substances and injections. We know that plenty of these substances were experimental in nature or mixture. We know they were administered based on hunches rather than hard data.
The club had “a culture of frequent, uninformed and unregulated use of the injection of supplements,” according to the ASADA interim report. We know dubious sources were involved, and some injections were administered in unsterile conditions without a medical professional.
We know that Hird was happy to expose several dozen young men to these chemicals without any idea of the long-term effects, in the hope that the program would benefit his coaching goals and ambitions.
Most importantly, we know from Hird’s own correspondence that when club doctor Bruce Reid protested that the program was ethically suspect and clinically unsafe, Hird’s response was to instruct others to circumvent Reid and stop him interfering. Reid’s expertise was discounted as inconvenient.
The program ended up costing the club $2 million in fines, a 2013 finals place, and the ASADA investigation that still hangs over their players, while Hird copped a lenient one-year suspension.
Essendon’s response was to give him a million-dollar lump sum for his year off, an expenses-paid business course in France, a new contract for two years after his suspension, and a guarantee that he can slide right back into his old job.
Thompson, the man who built Geelong into the modern game’s powerhouse, is treated as a seat-warmer. You almost hope he wins the flag, just to see how awkward things get.
For an unproven coach who has brought such havoc down on the club, this backing defies sense. Any other coach in history would have been ditched. It can only be put down to the Hird factor, the son you can’t stop loving.
Essendon had to back Hird because to do otherwise would be to admit he’d done wrong. To admit that would destroy the club’s mythology. Far more reassuring for fans to attack the journalists who exposed him.
But even all that backing wasn’t enough. This drama showed us something about Hird that the golden-boy years couldn’t. Against a backdrop of fans with “Stand by Hird” signs, he refused responsibility. He denied wrongdoing. He lawyered up. He scowled through press packs. In his version, he was the victim.
Paul Little’s press conference made it clear Hird hasn’t got past that. Nor has his wife Tania, her narrative of persecution in an ABC interview kicking off the recent trouble. It goes hand in hand with a massive sense of entitlement, as Little’s parental press conference laid bare.
“The important thing is there are now clear protocols in place,” he said about the Hirds talking to the media, as though no protocol had been discussed before handing them a year’s pay to play Xbox. While I realise a husband and wife are different people, they’re also a financial partnership, so the conditions on one’s million-dollar contract would likely be understood by the other.
So again allowances were made for Hird, which he accepted and no doubt thought he was owed. It’s just a bit hard to generate sympathy for a guy who’s sitting around in France, counting his money, complaining how he’s been victimised.
James Hird might be a great bloke to sit next to on an aeroplane. He was a great footballer. He has a nice speaking voice. But he is also prepared to shrug off responsibility for putting his players at risk.
He’s prepared to take a million dollars from his own club in exchange for nothing.
He’s prepared to let them guarantee his job from 2015, at another million a year, regardless of whether that’s best for the team. He’s prepared to subject that team to the scrutiny he’s created.
He’s prepared to walk back in there on January 1, after all the damage he’s done, with a regal wave as though nothing had happened, as though they should be glad to have him back.
If a man like that walked into any other football club in the country, he’d be kicked out into the street. And if he looked within himself and scrounged up a scrap of self-respect, he’d probably start walking.
Miket
Guest
Harry David - I would be really interested to hear what you think Hird could say that would clear his name. Because whatever it is logically it should also clear the EFC and everyone involved who has either been sacked or penalised. I am sure Ian Robson and David Evans e would also love to hear this earth shattering evidence from Hird as if it had come out much earlier it would have saved them both (and a lot of other people) from a lot of anguish.
Miket
Guest
Scott We know that following the damning findings of the EFC's own internal review the CEO resigned We know that Hird stated at the beginning of the investigation that as head coach he would accept full responsibility. We know that there is documented evidence Doc Reid tried to stop the programme but was ignored. (He is the only one I felt a bit sorry for and didn't deserve to have his reputation sullied) We also know that Hird stated in a press conference early in the season that when the truth is fully revealed the EFC will be in a very good position. What we don't know is exactly what was injected into the players - and most likely never will - because accurate records were not kept. And for that surely Hird must accept at least some responsibility. Oh and by the way Hird has spoken - indirectly - through his wife, father lawyers, and advisors. But other than taking pot shots at AD & the AFL none of them have offered any further insight as to why Hird shouldn't have ben held responsible for the mess the club is in. It is like they are suggesting that there is some secret evidence that would exonerate Hird completely, but the evil AFL are making sure it remains suppressed. Well surely if it exists it would also exonerate the EFC and everyone else in the club who was either sacked or penalised? And since all of Hird's confidants have been free to speak when they felt like it why didn't they just tell us what this evidence is?
Miket
Guest
But Cody - isn't the issue with the EFC is that there are not accurate records of exactly what was given to the players? So does your medico friend also think that is ok? Your comments don't really make sense. Just because the system of assessing drugs isn't perfect doesn't mitigate the culpability of Hird & co. If anything that logic makes them more culpable - why inject the players with anything at all if there are even question marks over the safety of approved drugs?
Mike Carpenter
Guest
This is a brilliant article that tells the truth The James Hird camp say giving players supplements is nothing new and has been going on for 25 years. But what does the word "supplement" mean? Are we talking about a cup of Milo or injecting highly dubious substances into players bodies under conditions and circumstances that are reckless to say the very least.
Harry David
Guest
Whether they are banned substances or not is not irrelevant at all. It is the single most important reason so much resources has gone into the investigation and reporting on the issue. If it is known as fact that Essendon administered players with drugs not approved for human use then there would already be infraction notices for players as ASADA regulations state any supplement consumed which is not approved for human use is prohibited at all times - S0 category. Despite common perception this is still yet to be proven. Discounting that supplements not approved for human consumption has not yet been clearly demonstrated, the fact Essendon "encouraged a program where all sorts of injections were given" is a scenario reflective of the entire AFL culture and other AFL teams - http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/afl-survey-reveals-12-clubs-used-supplements-without-adequate-supervision/story-fni5f22o-1226740824947 - Maybe another 11 coaches don't have the guts to walk either.
Bosk
Guest
Brilliant article. I can't possibly commend it highly enough. You've managed to cut through all the media-driven crap and call a spade a spade in a manner few professional media commentators have dared. I've been saying it from the start - had this been the Bulldogs or North rather than Essendon caught abusing Peptides on a club-wide scale that club would probably be competing in the VFL right now. Essendon has been shielded by The AFL and a culpable, captive media from facing just punishment purely and simply due to the club's size and ability to put bums on seats, and Hird has been shielded from most of the flak by the club itself. It's about bloody time he came under the microscope since he is after all the man most responsible for this sad, sorry mess in the first place. Quite frankly I find Team Hird's flaccid, inept attempts to paint James as The Victim nothing short of laughable. In fact the only thought that amuses me more is the notion that Ian Hanke is actually collecting a paycheck for it!
Geoff Lemon
Expert
If you look around slowly and calmly, Rob, you may notice this is a sports opinion website. It's also the first time I've written about Hird. And as far as investigative journalists go, no one else around AFL is fit to shine Caroline Wilson's shoes.
Geoff Lemon
Expert
Harry, it doesn't matter whether ASADA find evidence of banned drug use. Nor does it matter what explanations Hird gives. It's already clear from Hird's own seized text messages, from Bruce Reid's letter, and from the data collected for the interim report, that Hird encouraged a program where all sorts of injections were given, including drugs not approved for human use. Whether or not they prove to be banned by WADA is irrelevant. It's highly negligent practice, and when his own club doctor sought to shut the program down, Hird tried to sidestep him instead of listening. That's enough.
Geoff Lemon
Expert
There are plenty of champion players who've retired when they probably could have hung on for another season or two, but wouldn't have been reaching the same standards. Some stay too long, but some go out on their own terms. It's not entirely altruistic, but it is also about helping the club develop its next generation. The fact that he feels he has the right to continue is exactly what shows he's only thinking of himself.
Kev
Guest
"I never said having a good playing record means that you can coach." - No but you seem to stubbornly cling on to this small minded line of thought that says that you can just walk into a senior coaching role with no experience. "My guess is that Hird knows more about football that some plonker giving a coaching course." - Two problems with that statement. The first is behind that comment, you are assuming that playing means that Hird knows everything about football that is relevant to coaching which is absurd. Second is that you think that Hird knows so much he can't be taught anything else. Arrogant much? Doesn't matter if some players or in this case, some players take longer or are quicker at learning. Bottom line is, if you have a clear pathway with clear prerequisites, everyone who goes for coaching positions are measured with the same criteria. What will coaching teach them? If you check out the English FA's UEFA Pro license things they could learn include professional communication, leadership, management of self and others (Hird could've learned a thing or two out of this), performance management and business and finance. Granted not everything is transferable but there is a considerable amount that overlaps.
Kev
Guest
"I never said having a good playing record means that you can coach." - No but you seem to stubbornly cling on to this small minded line of thought that says that you can just walk into a senior coaching role with no experience. Captaining a side doesn't mean anything. "My guess is that Hird knows more about football that some plonker giving a coaching course." - And you would be wrong again.
Christo the Daddyo
Guest
Geoff, are you able to give an example of a club champion who has given it all away when he feels he still has every right to continue? Genuine question, because I can't. There's probably more validity in arguing that a club President/Board should think of the long-term reputation of the club and act in a way that demonstrates the concept of accountability is still in place.
Rob
Guest
Your a true and utter moron. The bloke hasn't even been able to defend himself in the media. Your probably one of those opinion reporters in football who continues to write articles on the saga but couldn't even make it to his press conference after the Carlton match. Maybe if you did, you, Caroline Wilson, Damian Barrett and co could have asked him some hard questions. You might have had a real story with real facts and not just your opinion. And he didn't have to take Matthew knights down. He did it all by himself with his win loss record.
IanW
Guest
One of those awful things is a football coach who set up a program that involved experimental drugs being given to young men who made the mistake of trusting them.
kathleen lopes
Guest
I have never read so much rubbish from grown men in my life. There are awful things happening in the world today and all these people can manage is to write nasty things about a footballer whose time on earth will not create havoc in the world, bring on a nuclear war, turn the earth into a hot, dry desert etc. etc. Give it a break boys and get a life all of you.
Jimmy G
Guest
One of the better articles I have read on the subject - well written and spot on.
Timmy
Guest
You say that we should not be so quick to find him guilty on all counts without hearing his side of the story and then you proceed to pronounce him innocent on all counts and disregard any expert opinion/testimony as nothing more than personal attacks. Don't ask people not to be bias when you clearly are yourself
The Bush
Roar Guru
Except Geoff in his mind he is the victim, not the protagonist. People on the inside don't see the ASADA thing as a result of their wrong doing, they see it as a witch hunt. I don't know whether Hird should step down/away due to a love of Essendon. He should step away purely for the incredibly risk he took with his players welfare. If I played for Essendon I wouldn't want some bloke coaching me after he ignored the team doctors advice...
Harry David
Guest
It's incredible that you can infer James Hird doesn't have a scrounge of self respect nor does he have respect for the club he played his 253 game career with. The easiest approach on this issue, particularly as a non Essendon fan is to tear away without regard for truth, at the reputation James Hird, like so many critics have already done. Yet in reality Hird has not once, not for one day, not for one interview, not in one statement been able to present, argue or express his true beliefs or knowledge of events. It's remarkable that Hird can be suspended and subject to such an enormous amount of criticism and persecution without the ability to defend himself before a hearing or publicly, yet still clearly show the passion and desire to return to coaching. The fact of the matter is that after over a year of the most rigorous investigations including interviewing hundreds of people, scrutinising thousands of emails, texts and correspondence, dedicating an enormous amount of resources, time and money, ASADA are yet to find a single piece of conclusive evidence demonstrating prohibited drug use by Essendon. It is difficult to understand how a club so apparently rife with questionable medical practices and such a shocking prohibited drug culture are yet after such a prolonged and public investigation found to have nothing actually prohibited in in their supplement use. The poorest reflection of this article, is that the author draws upon broad generalisations, enormous exaggerations and no consideration for the truth in attacking the character of James Hird, the single obvious motive of this article. The fact the article attempts to argue Hird is prepared to exchange a million dollars for nothing, or that he is simply counting money in France demonstrates this article is a mere personal attack. It also dismisses the autonomy of the Essendon board, who if the most recent Paul Little news conference was actually watched, demonstrated the board would only act in the best interests of the club and not an individual. Right now it is all to easy to attack James Hird when he has been unable to present his side of the story, when he is out of the country. It is to easy to attack Tania Hird in her frustration to defend her husband and attempt to expose the truth, it is to easy to associate Hird with a multitude of exaggerations and false personal attacks but at the end of the day, no individual has been more willing to draw and accept criticism for this saga then Hird himself. No man has subject himself to such an intense amount of unfair and untruthful scrutiny and ridicule then Hird, yet still have the conviction and desire to return to his coaching role. To me, this shows Hird is willing to give everything in return for coaching Essendon, not nothing, and despite this articles inference of the contrary, this season will be the most difficult for Hird to endure spending time away from the club he passionately adores.
Oracle
Guest
Great article, and right on the money, Pillock