- Resigned as GWS assistant coach in 2023
- Tried to be reinstated as Bombers coach
- The Essendon icon has now walked away from footy
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Former Essendon icon James Hird has been spotted working on his fitness with a vigorous shirtless jog along a Melbourne beach after reportedly turning down an AFL job opportunity.
The reclusive star, whose illustrious career with the Essendon Bombers as both player and coach was marred by controversy, looks set to focus on his personal wellbeing and business ventures after a series of high-profile professional setbacks.
Hird cut an impressive image in his rare public appearance, showing he still looks fit enough to play despite being 51 years old.
Hird has looked in incredible form as he jogged along Melbourne’s Brighton and Sandringham beaches during a heatwave
Hird looks in good shape at 51, especially when placed next to a photo of him running shirtless during his playing days
Since leaving his assistant coaching position with the Greater Western Sydney (GWS) Giants early in 2023, Hird has largely stayed out of the public eye.
Despite the scorching Melbourne heat, which reached 40 degrees, Hird showed his continued commitment to fitness on the run.
His appearance on Monday morning highlighted not only his impressive athletic condition, but also his seemingly content life away from the football limelight.
Hird had reportedly been approached for a potential media role with Nine’s new Sunday night football programme, ‘Footy Furnace’, which aims to feature prominent AFL figures such as Tom Morris, Leigh Matthews and Jimmy Bartel.
Due to personal commitments, however, Hird turned down the concert.
Hird (pictured celebrating an Essendon win while head coach in 2013) had hoped for a return with the Bombers in 2023 but was denied a second chance to lead the club
It was a rollercoaster of a year for Hird in 2023 as he resigned as assistant coach at GWS, missed the Essendon gig and also celebrated 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 stay as a part-time management advisor and assistant coach with the Giants, he was unsuccessful in his application 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 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
Bombers stalwart Kevin Sheedy had backed Hird’s return and hit out at the club for not making him manager for a second time
Sheedy openly expressed his disagreement, highlighting internal divisions over the appointment.
“I voted for James Hird and I’m extremely disappointed with the report that came out of Essendon’s media department,” he said at the time.
‘I am not happy. Don’t tell the Essendon fan base a lie. I actually felt insulted that Hird would think I voted against him after what he has done for our club.’
In a separate career move, Hird chose not to pursue the vacant head coaching position with the Giants following the departure of Leon Cameron early the previous season.
After reflecting on his involvement in the Essendon match-fixing 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.