'Put your weapons down': Dons icon calls for unity after latest Hird snub

Essendon's newly appointed coach, Mark McVeigh, and club president, Andrew Welsh, are planning to discuss potential roles with former captain James Hird. Welsh mentioned that his two calls to Hird following McVeigh's announcement went unanswered on Monday, while McVeigh said he spoke to his former teammate on Tuesday morning. It remains uncertain whether Hird will accept a different position within the club rather than as head coach.

McVeigh and Welsh plan to assemble the coaching staff in the coming months, along with filling several roles in the club's football department. Upon becoming the new manager, McVeigh expressed his desire for Hird to return to the club in a different capacity, praising Hird's significant value to the team. Welsh echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of unity within the club amidst rumors of a potential board challenge from Hird's supporters.

In response to these rumors, McVeigh and Welsh called for unity and urged fans to put down their weapons and support the club. Hird, an esteemed Essendon legend, has been a constant presence in the club's life since he was 17. Both McVeigh and Welsh acknowledged Hird's strong connection with the club and his passion for football.

In his first press conference as the new senior coach, McVeigh outlined his plans to improve various aspects of the team's performance, particularly focusing on the defense.