Former Essendon coach James Hird has accepted an invitation to present the Norm Smith Medal following this year’s AFL grand final. Unsurprisingly, the decision to have Hird represent the AFL on one of its biggest stages has been met with criticism.
“(It’s) obviously significant, we appreciate him accepting the offer, and we look forward to welcoming him back into the fold,” McLachlan said.
To say that the relationship between Hird and league head office had been frosty since the supplements saga was uncovered would be an understatement. Both sides spent much air time and dollars in legal fees at each other’s throats.
But AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan confirmed the move on Thursday; a move which is in line with recent years.
Since 2013, the AFL has had previous winners of the prestigious medal at the AFL Grand Final to award the newest member of their ranks.
1995 Norm Smith Medallist Greg Williams awarded the medal to Brian Lake in 2013, 1996 winner Glenn Archer did the same for Luke Hodge in 2014, Andrew McLeod (1997-98) presented Cyril Rioli with his in 2015 and Shannon Grant (1999) awarded Western Bulldog Jason Johannisen.
Hird is next in line, and for the good of the AFL, I’m glad he’s accepted.
Speaking to the Herald Sun in June, Hird said: “If they (have asked me), I would love to do it.”
“It would just be good to be out there on Grand Final day. It’s obviously the best day in the footy calendar, so it would be a nice experience.”
But some are not happy with the decision to bring Hird back into the AFL spotlight, even going to some extreme examples.
The real question comes down to whether or not you can separate Hird the footballer with Hird the coach.
As a player, he is one of the greatest ever to grace the field. As a coach, he was part of a scandal that rocked the very foundations of the AFL.
And without doubt he has paid a price for that. His almost unimpeachable reputation was destroyed and he suffered financial losses in trying to defend himself.
I know for every person who will accept this decision and move on, there is more than likely a person who believes Hird should never be associated with the game of AFL ever again.
There’s no way to sugarcoat it, the scandal ruined the careers of Essendon players, who were forced to watch from the sidelines for a year. For many that is reason enough for Hird to be banished.
But a two-minute window where Hird will play second fiddle to the new star of an AFL Grand Final after the game has been played I believe is a good starting point for his penance to the AFL.
Has he earned blanket forgiveness? Of course not. But it is a beginning and doesn’t break with recent tradition.
Redb
Roar Guru
Lance Armstrong convicted drug cheat, over several seasons of deliberate drug taking. James Hird cleared by ASADA, praised for co-operation throughout the investigation. Guilty of placing too much trust in an employee and naivety.
Ken
Guest
Put simply, it is not a good look. I wonder if Cousins ever won one, would the AFL be happy with that as well?
gus
Guest
Birdman, couldn't have said it better.
northerner
Guest
I'm a bit concerned about this, actually. I don't have a lot of time for Hird the coach, but Hird the man has paid a high price for his sins, and if he's hoping the medal presentation will offer some degree of redemption, I'm not sure he's going to get it. I wouldn't like to see this result in another downward spiral in his mental health. Personally, I think his friends and advisors should have counselled him against taking part but he's made another decision. I hope it was the right one for him.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
The Stephen Danks of the world would never eventuate if sports scientists were required to maintain a professional registration (such as APRHA for doctors, physios, dietitians etc) should they wish to work in a clinical capacity. I'd be struck-off potentially (at the very minimum given a very stern warning) if I didn't document one patient medical record correctly, let alone 34.
northerner
Guest
From what I've heard, Dank was bad at record keeping but Geelong wasn't. They kept him on a leash. Essendon let him loose to do whatever he wanted. They are now paying the price for not keeping their pets under control.
Pumping Dougie
Roar Guru
Totally agree with the article Matthew - every bit of it.
Casper
Guest
If we don't know what supplements the players took, then why were they found guilty of taking illegal PEDs? They players have said they took AOD and Thymomodulum.
Leighton
Guest
The clue is 'welcomed back into the fold'. Yes, the fold. A little club of mates, protected by money and PR types. A few more puff pieces, glad handling and the image is restored. If Carey could manage it then anyone can. Fortunately there is more dignity and honesty in the crowd that will likely boo. No one likes a cheat. And if hird so wants to be left alone to get on with his life, why would he want this?
Bobbo7
Guest
mattyb, the experts said this was one of the biggest drugging issues there has ever been. Usually it is a single athlete - this was an entire club. Really such a pity the dog ate the records or we might actually know what the players were doped with.
BackYard Centurion
Guest
Just don't send him anything where details may need to be recorded - may never see the medal again... Serious question - out of interest, was the 2013 presentation by 1995 winner an arbitrary decision. I take it no winners prior to this will get to make any presentation
Danny
Guest
these days most of the crowd at the GF belong to neither of the competing clubs. Unfortunately the booing potential is massive
Danny
Guest
I think there is a strong point being made here. Apart from the merits of Hird presenting the medal after the supplements saga, the likely booing will put a stain on GF day right at the pointy end of the celebrations...I hope i am wrong. I'm personally against Hird presenting the medal but I wouldn't dream of booing him. But the football public has shown a tendency to do so... just ask Adam Goodes.
Cat
Roar Guru
Not concerned at all. No evidence at all he was allowed to run around and do whatever he wanted to unsupervised, like he was at EFC. Dank was an employee of the EFC, as such any materials produced while an employee are considered work product. Work product would be owned by the EFC. If Dank has records why didn't the EFC sue Dank for their property to be returned? Is it because they don't want it back? Afraid what it will say/show? They know it no longer exists?
Casper
Guest
Well it was Dank's program, so he has the records. You obviously think both of them are dodgy, which must be concerning for all Geelong supporters.
Cat
Roar Guru
Do you know what a question mark signifies? I asked questions. I did not make statements. When you can provide accurate records and details an investigation need not take long. Its only when a club allegedly has no records (for a program the club continues to insist did no wrong, how was it going to be replicated in following seasons with ZERO records of what they did, how how they did it and at what doses?)
Birdman
Guest
The AFL and Essendon tried but failed to get coaches and the players off the hook and now act as if it never happened. #toosoon
Casper
Guest
Hang on, you just said that they were really bad at record keeping, really good at shredding and didn't know WTF they were doing. Therefore, how reliable are those books? I do remember the investgation though. Went for all of 5 minutes.
Mattyb
Guest
One of the biggest drug scandals in all sporting history lol. Get a grip,it's AFL,most people around the world wouldn't even know our game exists let alone this happened. I follow sport and I can assure you scandals like these are pretty common. It's actually a bit of an issue at the Olympics,an actual world wide event. And ask the same question of the booers,why boo?Hird's done his time,this things all over now and people need to move on.
Cat
Roar Guru
Yep they were, and they were moved along. Geelong was investigated, the records were looked over and there was nothing to see.