- Resigned as GWS assistant coach in 2023
- Attempt to be reinstated as Bombers coach
- The Essendon icon has now distanced himself from footy
Former Essendon icon James Hird has been spotted working on his fitness during a vigorous shirtless run along a Melbourne beach after reportedly turning down an AFL job.
The reclusive star, whose illustrious career with the Essendon Bombers as a player and coach was marred by controversy, appears to be focusing on his personal wellbeing and business ventures after a series of high-profile professional setbacks.
Hird cut an impressive figure in his rare public appearance, showing he still looks fit enough to play despite being 51 years old.
Hird has been seen in incredible form as he jogged along Melbourne’s Brighton and Sandringham beaches during a heatwave
Hird looks in great shape at 51, especially when placed next to an image of him running shirtless during his playing days
Since leaving his position as assistant coach with the Greater Western Sydney (GWS) Giants in early 2023, Hird has largely remained out of the public eye.
Despite the heat reaching 40 degrees in Melbourne, Hird showed his continued commitment to physical fitness during his run.
His performance on Monday morning highlighted not only his impressive athletic fitness, but also his seemingly content life away from the football spotlight.
Hird was reportedly approached for a possible media role on Nine’s new Sunday night football program ‘Footy Furnace’, which features prominent AFL figures such as Tom Morris, Leigh Matthews and Jimmy Bartel.
However, Hird turned down the performance due to personal commitments.
Hird (pictured celebrating an Essendon win while head coach in 2013) had hoped for a homecoming with the Bombers in 2023 but was denied a second chance to manage the club
It was a rollercoaster of a year for Hird in 2023 as he left his position as assistant coach at GWS, missing out on the Essendon appearance and also celebrating his 50th birthday (pictured)
Hird has previously struggled to stay out of the public eye since his tumultuous departure from Essendon in 2015 following the infamous supplements scandal.
After his short period as a part-time leadership consultant and assistant coach with the Giants, he failed to become head coach of the Bombers again in February 2023.
The position had become vacant after Ben Rutten was sacked and reports suggested Hird believed he had the backing of Essendon’s chairman, David Barham.
Instead, the position went to former North Melbourne coach Brad Scott in a decision that reportedly upset Essendon club director Kevin Sheedy.
Hird was initially sacked as Essendon coach after presiding over the supplements scandal
Tough bomber Kevin Sheedy had endorsed Hird’s return and hit out at the club for not making him coach for a second time
Sheedy openly expressed his dissent and highlighted the internal divisions over the appointment.
“I voted for James Hird and I am extremely disappointed with the report released by Essendon’s media department,” he said at the time.
‘I am not content. Don’t tell the Essendon fanbase an untruth. “I actually felt insulted that Hird thought I had voted against him, after what he has done for our club.”
In a separate career move, Hird opted not to pursue the Giants’ head coaching vacancy following the departure of Leon Cameron early in the previous season.
Reflecting on his involvement in the Essendon supplements scandal, which resulted in one of the most significant controversies in Australian sporting history, Hird admitted his naivety and misplaced trust in harmful individuals.
The scandal ultimately led to 34 players being found guilty on appeal of using performance-enhancing drugs during the 2012 season, which deeply affected them and their families.