Speculation grows on Hird wanting to coach

ESSENDON legend Tim Watson believes former Bombers coach James Hird “100 per cent” wants another gig as he dips his toes back in the coaching water with GWS.

Hird has joined his former Essendon teammate Mark Mcveigh, who has taken over as Giants coach following the resignation of Leon Cameron last week, as an assistant coach having been a leadership consultant at the club.

Reports have emerged that Hird, who hasn’t been involved at club level since he stepped down as Bombers coach midway through the 2015 season, could be in the frame to replace Cameron in 2023. Hird also battled some mental health issues after he left the Bombers but has been back working with the Giants since pre-season.

There has also been speculation he wants to return to Essendon, with Bombers coach Ben Rutten in the gun having won just two games in 2022.

Watson, a three-time Essendon premiership player, said he believed speculation that Hird wanted to coach again was right.

“I believe that the story is absolutely 100 per cent correct that he does want to coach,” he said.