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James Hird 'health scare' culmination of four years of Essendon supplements turmoil

Rohan Connolly
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Unrelenting pressure on a sporting field or a coaching box is one thing. But that ceases, at least temporarily, when the game is over.

Controversy, scandal and a large public profile, in contrast, are a recipe for not just pressure, but very real and human consequences. And the Essendon drugs saga, after four long, draining years appears now to have produced the most obvious example.

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James Hird rushed to hospital after 'overdose'

Although officials are refusing to comment, Fairfax Media understands an ambulance was called to Former AFL champion and Essendon coach James Hird's address in Toorak just after 10pm on Wednesday. Vision courtesy Seven News Melbourne.

James Hird's "health scare" which saw him hospitalised late on Wednesday night, was shocking news. But to some who know him, not necessarily that much of a surprise.

Four years of continual criticism for having been the coach who oversaw Essendon's ill-fated supplements program, his suspension for 12 months as coach then less-than-successful return to that post, are only the start of the pressure with which he has dealt.

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Most of that time, Hird endured media scrums anywhere he went, at his workplace and at his home. And his eventual resignation as coach in August of 2015 didn't end that.

Despite keeping as low a profile as possible for most of that time, the opprobrium has continued, as has the scuttlebutt. About his lifestyle choices, his marriage, his living arrangements.

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He's had precious little sanctuary. Even at the club he served with such distinction over 16 seasons as a player, then another four as coach.

Essendon chairman Lindsay Tanner, when he took over the presidency in December of 2015, spoke about Hird one day being welcomed back to the fold. But that time would seem still to be some way off.

Hird has lost many of the close relationships he formed with Essendon people. The most public of those was his falling out with former close mate and Bomber chairman David Evans. But there has also been a toll taken on the usually unshakeable bonds between premiership teammates.

Hird has been conspicuous by his absence at many of the reunions held by the 2000 premiership side he led to the single most successful season by a team in AFL history.

He was a no-show again at the most recent, telling associates that he couldn't face some people who would be there.

He has maintained ties with only a handful of teammates from that team. Many have attempted to contact him to offer their support in vain. Increasingly frustrated at not being allowed to help, some have switched off.

Only he can answer why doing so has proved so difficult. Guilt at what happened? Shame at what his club was reduced to because of his poor decisions? Anger at being made a scapegoat? Perhaps a combination of all those factors.

Hird has written about his "conflicting and deep emotions". "I feel deeply, deeply sorry for the players. I believe the players are innocent," he wrote in the Herald-Sun.

"I feel guilt, shame, anger and regret all at once. I also have some pride at what the players achieved in the most difficult of circumstances and admiration for the resilience and strength they have shown through these years." 

It was strength, outwardly, he had also shown in no uncertain terms over the course of a horrible four years for the Bombers.

His demeanour remained calm throughout. That only served to further anger the considerable part of the football world who saw him as the obvious target at how an ill-considered, risky and ultimately futile dabble in sports science essentially hijacked the game they loved for so long in the quest for success.

Which is why many people still speak about Hird's lack of contrition despite the various public apologies he has made over the course of the saga. And it's why some on social media, that haven for keyboard warriors and gutless wonders, will no doubt react harshly to this latest sad news.

Hird's mental toughness was a calling card during his football career.

Is this latest episode what it will take for the fans, the trolls and yes, the media, to finally back off and give the guy some peace and some dignity? 

If nothing else, for Hird's family and his physical and mental health, you can only hope so.

If you are troubled by this report or experiencing a personal crisis you can call Lifeline 131 114 or beyondblue 1300 224 636 or visit lifeline.org.au or beyondblue.org.au