AFL fans all say same thing after James Hird makes first appearance in three years
James Hird proved an overwhelming success as he returned to the AFL world for the first time in three years on Sunday night in his new TV role on Channel 9. The Essendon Bombers champion appeared alongside Tom Morris and Jimmy Bartel on 'Footy Furnace', where they tackled some of the big issues to come from the weekend's games.
Hird said he had no issue with the clash between coaches Craig McRae and Adam Kingsley in the GWS Giants' win over Collingwood, and predicted Harley Reid will move back to Victoria from the West Coast Eagles in the very near future. The former Essendon coach also said it's "inconceivable" the AFL hasn't returned the 'soft cap' back to what it was before 2021.
The AFL made a raft of financial cuts to save the league when Covid hit, including reducing the amount coaches and staff can be paid outside the salary cap. Hird said "we're losing very good coaches from the system" because the limitations are still in place.
The soft cap was $9.5 million in 2019, $7.675m in 2025 and will only be boosted to $8.1m by 2027. "If you talk to any assistant coaches who were around pre-Covid and are still coaching now, the conditions are nowhere near where they need to be," Hird stated. "They look after the biggest assets in the game - the players - and they teach them as people as well as players. If coaches are leaving the game because they're not getting enough I think that's very, very sad."
Hird held an assistant role with GWS in 2022, but Sunday night was the first time he was back in AFL circles for three years. He's previously worked on radio, but in 2025 will have a full-gig on TV with Nine.
Hird has replaced Leigh Matthews on 'Footy Furnace', and will also make regular appearances on 'Footy Classified' - most likely on Wednesday nights. 'I am thrilled to bring my perspective to the table," he said in a statement late last year. 'With Footy Furnace entering its second year, we're set to deliver even more hard-hitting insights and conversations that fans won't want to miss. I can't wait to get started and dive into what promises to be an unforgettable season.'
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His return to the media comes after his split with wife Tania became public knowledge in January. Fans were highly impressed by his work on 'Footy Furnace' on Sunday night, showering the 52-year-old with praise and celebrating his return.
Hird will always be a divisive figure due to the peptides scandal that occurred during his time coaching the Bombers. But the vast majority were happy to see him back on Sunday night.
One person wrote on social media: "Good synergy between the three of you (hosts). One of the few shows I'll be tuning into this year purely because it's all footy and no headline grabbing click bait."
Another person commented: "Brings a tear to the eye to see the GOAT back on the screen." While a third added: "Master stroke. Articulate and extremely knowledgeable. Hope we see more of him."
Having James Hird on Furnace this year 🔥 https://t.co/AbhdvXElex
— Tom Morris (@tommorris32) March 9, 2025
Great to have Hirdy back 🐐
— Bruh Watson (@BBrahoni) March 9, 2025
Speaking of losing good coaches, you were certainly one good coach who We lost when you went through the troubles at Essendon. You're just too good in the media Hirdy. #9FootyFurnace
— Alex Sar #DonTheSash (@alexmatthewsar) March 9, 2025
Welcome Back to #9FootyFurnace @tommorris32 & Jimmy Bartel & Welcome to #9FootyFurnace James Hird.
— Judith Kelly (@Kelly1Judy) March 9, 2025
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