Sheahan Ink: Can Hird lure Toby Greene to Bombers

What made former AFL player agent Ricky Nixon nearly come to blows with a heckler at a country footy function? Tony Sheahan with the latest footy goss.

James Hird thinks Toby Greene can win the Bombers a premiership. Picture: News Corp

Essendon Legend James Hird left a business lunch last week and called a mate about his lunch date.

“I reckon this bloke could win us a premiership,” he told his confidante.

Hird was of course referring to his beloved Bombers.

Hird had just finished lunching with GWS Giants captain Toby Greene at a CBD restaurant last Monday, with both guests of mutual friends in the business world.

The pair spent the best part of the lunch getting to know each other, having never crossed paths.

Will Toby Greene be lured to the Bombers? Picture: Getty

But Greene grew up a Bombers fan and a James Hird tragic.

Hird told his mate he was very impressed with Greene.

They discussed the world of AFL, on field, off field, life in general and of course business, which they both have a passion for.

Greene studies economics at Macquarie University in Sydney and undertakes work experience with some of Sydney’s wealthiest money firms.

“Toby is a very impressive young man,” Hird said.

“He would be a star if he lived in Melbourne,” Sheahan Ink sources said of Hird’s comments.

We called the former Essendon star to confirm the lunch and to get all the goss, but he politely declined.

Such was Greene’s love of Hird, he even considered switching from his now famous number 4 guernsey at the end of last season to 5.

The GWS captain was just seven years old when the Bombers’ last tasted September glory and his idol lifted the Premiership Cup.

But you can’t buy loyalty and Greene has it in spades.

RICKY NIXON HECKLED AT FOOTY FUNCTION

Former AFL player agent Ricky Nixon was left gobsmacked at a country footy function a few weeks back after one loud mouthed heckler ruined the day at a footy club in Warrnambool.

It’s reported Ricky Nixon nearly came to blows with a heckler at a paid footy function. Picture: AAP

Nixon and Collingwood legend Dane Swan travelled to the footy club for a paid gig but, after spilling the beans to the crowd on his past experiences, the day took a negative turn.

Nixon was giving the 700 odd people an insight into his past in the world of AFL — both good and bad.

But one heckler didn’t take too kindly to Nixon’s revelations and yelled “don’t air your dirty laundry here”.

Nixon continued … as did the heckler.

At the end of the Q&A with Nixon and Swan, the former agent to footy’s biggest names approached the heckler to voice his disgust at his rudeness.

Witnesses informed Sheahan Ink the situation was very tense.

“It nearly came to fisticuffs,” one said.

Nixon refused to entertain the story when contacted this week.

Friends of the entrepreneur said he shouldn’t have to put up with this behaviour considering he travels all over the country to provide entertainment and make clubs money.

LAIDLEY AT STEVENS’ 50TH

North Melbourne’s Anthony Stevens celebrated his 50th birthday on Friday night surrounded by friends, family and teammates.

The Kangaroos legend hit a Brunswick hotel on Lygon St enjoying beers with people such as former club CEO Geoff Walsh and former premiership teammate Dani Laidley.

Friends of Stevens said a great night was had by all and it was a wonderful celebration for a well-loved man.

BIG BUSTLING BARRY HALL

Boxing’s worst kept secret is out of the bag with big Barry Hall to take on rival Sonny Bill Williams.

The AFL star is to fight the NRL champion in October for a yet to be decided title.

A venue is still to be determined but fans of the heavyweight slug-fest should be able to watch via a streaming platform.

Will former Cronulla legend-turned TV commentator Paul Gallen fight the winner?

Big, bustling Barry Hall will take on rival Sonny Bill Williams. Picture: Supplied

It comes as Aussie boxer Andrew Moloney gets his shot at redemption for a third time next month when he takes on arch rival Joshua Franco in Oklahoma.

The Melbourne-born mauler is headed to the United States on July 15 ahead of his highly-anticipated third bout with the American.

Can he finally get the win after two failed attempts?

An official announcement is expected this week.

SHEAHAN INK’S SECRET SHORTS

Which AFL player’s partner has named their unborn child the same nickname of the woman their partner had an affair with?

Which former AFL identity has rumours circulating about him that he is facing a multi-million dollar lawsuit from the daughter of one of Australia’s wealthiest families?

The family’s wealth is valued at some $16 billion, even a stretch for this well-connected businessman!