Essendon great James Hird has returned to the AFL fold, albeit in front of the camera, after it was revealed Channel 9 welcomed him to their revamped line-up.
Hird will replace AFL legend Leigh Matthew on the channel's Footy Furnace, alongside journalist Tom Morris and Geelong champion Jimmy Bartel.
It is also understood that the 51-year-old will appear onย Footy Classified, pairing up with former Collingwood president Eddie McGuire on a Wednesday night.
"I've missed the game," Hird said onย Channel 9.
"The time feels right. I've spent a lot of time away from this side of football, and going back to coach with the Giants fuelled the fire a bit."
Hird was featured on television before when he was a staple during the infamous Footy Show.
Essendon legend James Hird is returning to the AFL fold albeit in front of the camera.
Hird, who's kept a low profile since the supplement saga a decade ago, will share his vast knowledge of the game here on Channel Nine. @cstanaway #9News pic.twitter.com/ooCMbI07mi
— 9News Melbourne (@9NewsMelb) November 11, 2024
"I've always watched footy and always enjoyed it," Hird continued.
"It's been a big part of my life and so the perspective of an ex-player and ex-coach and someone that's been out of the game for a while, that has a different point of view (can add a uniqueness to the role)."
The signing of Hird is the first step in Nine's move to revitalise its football programming after the departure of Footy Classified trio Kane Cornes, Caroline Wilson and Craig Hutchison.
The 1996 Brownlow medallist has also taken up a position at VFL club Port Melbourne Borough.
Hird reportedly turned down the full-time coaching role but instead took on the director of coaching, assisting friend Brendon McCartney and reuniting with Dyson Heppell.
