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Find your frequency here“Not a d---head”: Why Demons must talk to James Hird
SEN • August 10th, 2025 4:20 pm
Melbourne Demons great David Schwarz wants the club to interview James Hird for the vacant coaching role after Simon Goodwin was sacked.
The decision to relieve the coach of his duties was a unanimous board decision, and while Goodwin was offered the opportunity to see out the season, he opted to leave his position with immediate effect.
Troy Chaplin, who was named interim coach for the final three games of the season, has already ruled himself out of contention for the role on a permanent basis, but some big names are in the running.
Nathan Buckley has said he would take a call from the board, Adam Simpson is yet to return to coaching and Ken Hinkley is finishing up in Adelaide at the end of this season.
With so many names being linked to the role, Ox has put Hird forward as an option he believes Melbourne must speak with.
“I want the next coach to be our next premiership winning coach,” Ox said on SEN’s AFL Nation.
“I don’t want to go to the well four times in the next 10 years. I’m looking at an experienced coach unless someone pops up out of the blue.
“Put it this way if Garry Lyon put his hand up tomorrow saying he wanted to coach – I’m saying no. I love Gaz but I don’t want someone who hasn’t had an unbelievable time in footy.
“I think James Hird has been lost to footy. I think he has a great footy mind. I’m a massive fan.
“He got caught up in something that he has taken the full front of criticism for. Don’t tell me he wouldn’t come back as a better human being. I am all for second chances.
“I’d love to see James Hird- whether it’s Melbourne or any club, I’d love to see him back in the fold in some shape or form. He is too good of a footy person.
“He’s not a dickhead. He’s actually a good person.
“I would love him to get a second chance. Would he get the role Melbourne senior coach? Probably not but I tell you now, I’d be interviewing him and picking his brain.”
While Buckley is open to conversations about the role, John Longmire has reportedly ruled himself out – but Ox is not convinced.
“Buckley would be fabulous,” he continued. “He brings a good name, he brings a statement of how he goes about it, he got Collingwood to a Grand Final, he knows what he’s doing.
"He’s no fool. Horse says no but I don’t believe it when a coach says no.”
After being given his marching orders on Tuesday, Goodwin fronted the media alongside interim Melbourne president Brad Green.
Shocked and disappointed by the decision, Goodwin insisted the squad had been underestimated in their abilities and potential by outsiders who didn’t see what he did.
Melbourne are currently 13th on the ladder with seven wins and 13 losses, and while a disappointing run of results contributed to Goodwin’s exit, Ox agrees the list is not as bad as people think.
“It’s a finals list,” he said. “Is it a grand final list? I don’t think so, but they have got enough talent and depth to be winning more games than they have.
“They have lost four games because of goal kicking. All the other numbers around are good, they’re in the top eight.
“Simon Goodwin had every right to believe in the list. They have recruited well but they have a gap.
“There will be change.”
