Essendon ties down club legend’s son until 2022

Essendon has announced the re-signing of Tom Hird, the son of club legend James Hird, until at least the end of 2022.

The youngster is again on the club’s category B rookie list, having linked with the Bombers in March 2020.

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Despite focusing on playing football throughout his youth, which included a trial in the Netherlands, the 20-year-old committed himself to Australian rules last year as he looks to follow in his father’s legendary footsteps.

“It’s great to be continuing at such a great club and I’m really looking forward to putting a lot of work into my body and craft over the pre-season to really attack next year,” Hird said.

“It’s a really exciting time at Essendon with the young group we have and the trust we have in our coaches and system, and I can’t wait to continue to develop with these players.”

Tom’s father, James, enjoyed a stellar career with the Bombers.

He was a member of the 1993 and 2000 premiership sides and captained the latter.

The senior Hird also counts a 1996 Brownlow Medal and five selections in the All-Australian team among his many accolades that led to him being a member of the AFL’s Hall of Fame.

However, his time as Essendon coach was tainted by the club’s supplement scandal in 2013, as the Dons were fined $2m, barred from playing in the 2013 finals series and 34 Essendon players were suspended for two years.

The younger Hird pledged his future to the club alongside Irish youngster Cian McBride, who linked with the Bombers in October 2019.

Tying down the two prospects was critical for the club’s future, according to Essendon list manager Adrian Dodoro.

“We feel both Cian and Tom have a lot to offer and having missed considerable development opportunities last year due to Covid, we are pleased to offer them both another opportunity,” Dodoro said.

“Both have dealt with respective injuries at different times this year, but Cian as a key forward and Tom as a small midfielder have natural talent we’re looking to cultivate.

“With a substantial phase of development ahead of them in the club’s upcoming pre-season campaign, we hope they can give themselves every chance next season to feature in league football games.”

McBride and the younger Hird join Jake Stringer, Darcy Parish and Zach Merrett as Essendon players committing their futures to the club.

With plenty of the Bombers’ big names inking new deals, it’s a promising sign for Ben Rutten’s side as it looks to end a horrible record of more than 6200 days since the club last won a finals game.

Essendon came into the 2021 finals series on the back of a three-game winning streak but were dumped out in disappointing fashion after a 49-point defeat to the Western Bulldogs.

It was the Dons’ fourth finals appearance in eight seasons, and fans will be craving a change of fortunes when the post-season rolls around in 2022.