'All for second chances': AFL world divided over startling James Hird development
With the Demons on the hunt for a new coach after sacking Simon Goodwin last week, club great Schwarz believes Hird should be interviewed at the very least. Hird coached Essendon from 2011 to 2013, and then again in 2015. However his time in charge of the Bombers is shrouded in controversy due to the supplements scandal.
'I want the next coach to be our next premiership winning coach,' Schwarz said on SEN radio on Sunday. 'I don't want to go to the well four times in the next 10 years. I'm looking at an experienced coach unless someone pops up out of the blue.
'Put it this way - if Garry Lyon put his hand up tomorrow saying he wanted to coach – I'm saying no. I love Gaz but I don't want someone who hasn't had an unbelievable time in footy.
'I think James Hird has been lost to footy. I think he has a great footy mind. I'm a massive fan. He got caught up in something that he has taken the full front of criticism for. Don't tell me he wouldn't come back as a better human being. I am all for second chances.
'I'd love to see James Hird - whether it's Melbourne or any club - I'd love to see him back in the fold in some shape or form. He is too good of a footy person. He's actually a good person. I would love him to get a second chance. Would he get the role as Melbourne senior coach? Probably not but I tell you now, I'd be interviewing him and picking his brain."
It's unlikely that Hird would take on a head-coaching role at any other club than his beloved Essendon, although he did have an assistant role at the GWS Giants in 2023. Like Buckley, he's moved into the media and seems comfortable out of the pressure-cooker of coaching. While some agreed with Schwarz that Hird would be a good candidate, others felt the role wouldn't be the right one for him.
Not our number one son! Plenty of coaches out there that would be more than happy to take on that job. Leave our Hirdy alone.
— RACHELE (@RayeCharles) August 10, 2025
No no no he's coming home❤️🖤
— Parker Dorothy (@ParkerDorothy12) August 10, 2025
It's like Melbourne doesn't remember how they built a premiership team, and are hell bent on pulling a WC as it falls off the cliff.
— Marcus Milroy (@marcus_milroy) August 10, 2025
Looking for overnight success
— CrowForm $8 (@CrowForm) August 10, 2025
Demons job 'Nathan Buckley's position to lose'
On Sunday night, Morris doubled down on his claim about Buckley and declared it's his "position to lose". Buckley was Collingwood coach from 2012 to 2021, narrowly missing out on the 2018 premiership.
"There's a board meeting tomorrow where they will meet and discuss the committee to select the next coach," Morris said on Channel 9 program 'Footy Furnace'. "On Wednesday they'll announce that committee and have someone appointed before preliminary final week. I think it's looking likely to be Nathan Buckley. He's interested in the job and they (the Demons) like him, it's just a matter of how it all works."
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On Saturday, Swans' premiership-winner Longmire ruled himself out of the running. Longmire and former West Coast mentor Adam Simpson were originally thought to be the leading candidates, but it looks like Buckley might have overtaken them.
Longmire stepped down last November following the Swans' crushing grand-final loss to Brisbane - his fifth decider in 14 years at the helm. He remained at the Swans, taking up the role of executive director of club performance. It is understood he is not yet ready to return to the coaching fray.
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