Coaching Contenders Slam ‘Joke’ If Hird Dominates Essendon Race
The race for the coveted Essendon senior coaching position has ignited a fiery debate among AFL legends, with some labelling it a “deadset joke” if prospective candidates are deterred by the potential involvement of former champion James Hird. The sentiment is particularly strong among those who believe any aspiring coach should relish the challenge of competing for a top job, regardless of the competition.
Collingwood great Tony Shaw has been particularly vocal, expressing his disbelief that any coach would shy away from the opportunity simply because Hird is in contention. He argues that genuine contenders should be motivated by such a prospect, seeing it as a chance to prove their mettle against a well-known figure in the sport.
“What a deadset joke” it would be, Shaw stated emphatically, if other coaches decided not to put their hat in the ring due to Hird’s potential candidacy. He went on to advise aspiring coaches to embrace the challenge head-on.
- “If you want to coach and you want the job, you go in there and you argue everything that you’ve got to make sure you get the job,” Shaw urged.
- “You don’t get caught up in the ‘favourite son’ stuff. You make him look embarrassed by the way that you present to the board. Man up you other blokes, get your presentation ready, go in there and sell yourself.”
This sentiment is echoed by Geelong champion Jimmy Bartel, who believes that other coaches should possess the confidence to compete directly with Hird for the role. Bartel questioned the underlying fear that might prevent coaches from applying.
“What are you fearful of when Hird hasn’t been a coach at AFL level in 10 years?” Bartel posited during an appearance on ‘Footy Classified’. “Shouldn’t you have the confidence to be able to beat someone out?”
Malthouse Suggests Essendon’s Decision May Already Be Made
Adding another layer to the discussion, legendary coach Mick Malthouse has suggested that Essendon might have already made up their minds regarding James Hird. Malthouse believes that if this is the case, the formal interview process would be nothing more than a “sham.”
Speaking on ABC radio, Malthouse articulated his perspective:
- “You can almost see those that have any sort of position (at Essendon) have already pushed the button (on Hird).”
- “The fact that James has said ‘yeah I’d love to have the job’ – and there’s nothing wrong with that – but I just can’t see how any senior coach that’s out of the game would put his hand up and go ‘I’m going through that’.”
- “It’s already been decided. And any young bloke will go through it just for the process of understanding what it’s like to be interviewed.”
Hinkley and Simpson Opt Out, Buckley Unconcerned
The unfolding situation has seen some prominent figures in the coaching landscape declare their disinterest in the Essendon role. Ken Hinkley and Adam Simpson have both publicly stated they would not be pursuing the job, and they expressed doubt that other coaches would apply if it appeared Hird was the frontrunner.
Hinkley, in particular, suggested last week that Essendon needs to clarify their intentions regarding Hird.
- “If they decide that, that’s what they should go with and they should do that,” Hinkley said on SEN.
- “But I can’t imagine anyone entering the race for the Essendon coaching job, with James now looking like he’s one-out, one-back in the pole position with all the things that have gone on in the past. It looks like this is somewhat James Hird’s job.”
In contrast to those expressing reservations, former Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley has indicated he doesn’t share the same concerns.
Buckley’s perspective suggests a belief that the integrity of the coaching selection process can be maintained, even with a high-profile candidate like Hird in consideration. His stance implies that strong candidates should be able to present a compelling case irrespective of pre-existing perceptions or favourite-son status.
The debate highlights the complex dynamics at play when a club of Essendon’s stature seeks a new senior coach, particularly when a figure with Hird’s history and connection to the club is part of the conversation. The opinions of Shaw, Bartel, and Malthouse underscore a sentiment that the coaching profession demands a certain level of confidence and resilience, urging potential applicants to seize the opportunity and present their best case, rather than being preemptively discouraged.
