He's the most talked about person in Essendon's history for all kinds of reasons.
On-field, he was one of the best ever to lace up the boots.
Off-field, he endeared himself to fans and was beloved by all as a player.
In the coaches box, he oversaw the biggest scandal in Australian sports history.
Essendon CEO Xavier Campbell said on Monday the door is always open for Hird to return to the club, and current coach John Worsfoldย re-iterated those sentiments yesterday evening.
"Iย would hope so," Worsfold said on Fox Footy's On The Couch.
"He's a massive part of the history and success of the Essendon Football Club."
"He's a special person around the club."
Two weeks ago, Hird broke his silence following news that he had overdosed on sleeping pills before spending time in a mental health facility.
The Bombers rode a wave of emotion en route to their opening round win over Hawthorn at the MCG on Saturday night in front of over 78,000 passionate supporters.
David Evans, who was chairman of the club at the time of the supplements saga,ย was a guest of the club at the game and appeared in the rooms post-match.
