5.  James Hird


James Hird is one of the superstars of the AFL. He has been a match-winner on so many occasions it
would be ludicrous to try to list them, and has placed him as one of the league's most valuable players. Playing mainly off the half forward line ("off" because most of the time you can see him in any pack forward of the centre, and even in the backline), his vision sets up many of Essendon's attacks on goal.

His versatility is second-to-none. On numerous occassions Kevin Sheedy has used James in defence to stop an opposition forward. Not only that, but you'll see James running off the backline to continue to set up attacks for the Dons. He took out the Best and Fairest for the third consecutive year in 1996, a truly remarkable feat. He coupled that with football's highest individual honour - The Brownlow Medal. He was named co-vice-captain for 1996 with Michael Long, and was named captain in 1998.

Unfortunately for James and the club, he has missed most of the past two seasons with injuries. In 1997 an ankle injury sidelined him for most of the year, and last year he had problems with hamstring injuries. However, James has had a very good pre-season this year, and is looking forward to a more prominent on-ball role during 1999.


Details:

Name: James Hird
Nick Names: Hirdy
Height: 188cm
Weight: 92kg
DOB: 04/02/73
First Played: 1992
Recruited from: Ainslie (A.C.T)
Total Game: 110
Total Goals: 187
Position: Mainly Half Forward


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