AFL

Emotions are running high among Essendon fans — and other AFL supporters — after news James Hird has missed out on the Bombers coaching role.

With Mark McVeigh’s appointment as Essendon coach likely to be announced this week, fans have taken to social media to express their opinions — with a wide range of view points.

Should Essendon have appointed Hird as coach?

The Sporting News looks at the fan reaction to the Bombers’ decision.

MORE: ‘Disappointed’ James Hird hunted by rival AFL clubs after missing out on Essendon coaching role

I’d have been ok with Graham as long as Hird was treated with the respect he deserves. That hasn’t happened from the outset. Not even a phone call. Disgraceful, weak, pathetic leadership from Welsh down. The club had a great opportunity to present a strong and connected…
— Richard Hallett (@RichardHallett8) August 24, 2026

Welsh knew Hird would be more popular than him and impossible for him to bring to heel, which was why he was never in the running. Welsh wants to be the number 1 guy which is why he’s surrounded himself with weak acolytes like Roberts.
— Charlotte Corday (@C_Corday) August 24, 2026

McVeigh was defensive coach for the Swans from 2022 who were annihilated in 2 grand finals at the MCG in 2022 and 2024 by 81 and 61 points respectively.
The witch who hounded Hird after the supplements situation will be celebrating.
— John Smith (@smith_john38548) August 24, 2026

Been a lifelong Essendon member but I’m out and I’m tipping many thousands of others will be too. They had a chance to make a strong stand and present a united and connected vision for the future but they’ve failed miserably. The way they’ve treated James Hird is disgraceful,…
— Richard Hallett (@RichardHallett8) August 24, 2026

Essendon needed a man to unite the club, if it wasn’t gonna be Hird, atleast they should’ve gone with a better credentialed Graham instead of the president’s groomsman getting the gig, last president blew up the club to satisfy his ego, current one loves to hire his mates
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— Ankush Goyal (@AnkushGoyal24) August 24, 2026

Fair bit off the mark there.
Embarrassing process where he wanted to give his best mate the job.
Was an absolute moron thinking that Dons fans would be less pissed than other Non-Hird candidates because Spikes Dons connection.
99% of fans wanted Hird or Graham.
Disaster
— Tullamarine Biologist (@DonsRevival) August 24, 2026

Hird had them 13-3 in 2nd place when the saga hit.
Hird had nothing to do with the Saga, just happened to be coach and was scapegoated.
Same scenario just happened with Chris Scott & concussion contract. “I’m the coach I don’t know all the details of that stuff”.
— Tullamarine Biologist (@DonsRevival) August 23, 2026

my consistent message for the next coach not named Hird will be (a) start winning quickly, or, (b) see these green shoots come on quickly.
I just hope Hird rules himself out of returning to Essendon for good and the club and its supporter base can move on from him now for good
— CJB88 (@Sportz_Boy88) August 23, 2026

Media kept saying it’s a boat race for Hird…..little did they know it was just for the wrong man. This has completely split the members and fan base. This is a shonky appointment just getting your best man in the seat. Embarrassing. Hird should have been the man and united us.
— dnl_bombers (@dnl_bombers) August 23, 2026

I’ll always support the club & turn up each week, but I’m incredibly disappointed with the McVeigh decision.
I wanted Hird, but was pretty keen on Graham as well
Welsh has made a weak call and the board has treated the fans poorly. Plan A failed with Solly, so Spike plan B.
— BomberBoss — Alcatraz (@Bombers_Boss) August 23, 2026

So it looks like it’s going to be Mark McVeigh.
I have to be honest — I am bitterly disappointed that it wasn’t James Hird or Graham. And this has absolutely nothing to do with personalities. I have always said the same thing: the job should go to the person the club believes is…
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— Andrew Philippou (@AndrewPhilippou) August 23, 2026

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