James Hird

AFL Legend

A true football legend, James Hird was admired for not only his on-field bravery, but also his exceptional ability to anticipate the course of play. In 1997, the Essendon Football Club named the then-triple best and fairest winner in its Team of the Century on the half-forward flank, and in 2002, named him as the third-best player in the club's history. Since his retirement in 2007 James has maintained a busy role in the media. 

James Hird, is a true legend. This man has been a match-winner on so many occasions it would be ludicrous to try to list them, which  has placed him as arguably the league's most valuable player.

Playing mainly off centre-half forward, his vision sets up many of Essendon's attacks on goal. His versatility is second-to-none. Whenever you see an opposition forward having a good day, more than likely Sheedy will put James on him and you won't see that opposition player for the rest of the game - not only that, but you'll see James running off the backline to continue to set up attacks for the Dons.

James took out the Best and Fairest for the second consecutive year in 1995, and he is continuing his winning form through 1996. In 1996 he was named co-vice-captain for 1996 with Michael Long. That capped of a great year when he won the Brownlow in 1996 with Michael Voss.

As current captain of Essendon, James Hird is set to continue to grow his legend status.