Media Street: James Hird’s footy comeback confirmed with new 2025 role on TV panel show

James Hird’s return to footy will take another step next year, with the Essendon legend and former coach set to take a role on the silver screen. Find out more in Media Street.

Essendon legend James Hird is returning to TV as part of Channel 9’s revamped football line-up.

The former Bombers captain and coach will replace another AFL great, Leigh Matthews, on Sunday night’s on Footy Furnace where he will be alongside former Geelong champion Jimmy Bartel and host Tom Morris.

Hird will also appear on Footy Classified, most likely on the Wednesday night edition which is hosted by Eddie McGuire.

The signing of Hird is the first step in Nine’s move to revitalise its football programming after the departure of Footy Classified trio Kane Cornes, Caroline Wilson and Craig Hutchison.

Hird isn’t seen as Cornes’ replacement with the Monday night line-up of the flagship show yet to be finalised.

This year’s Wednesday night Footy Classified panel included Bartel, Matthew Lloyd and Damian Barrett.

Giants assistant coach James Hird will appear on Footy Classified next year. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/AFL Photos/via Getty Images.

Hird is no stranger to the media having worked as an analyst and commentator on Fox Footy after his retirement in 2007 and also wrote columns for the Herald Sun before shelving his media career when he took over as coach of the Bombers at the end of 2010.

On his return to the big screen, Hird said: “I am thrilled to bring my perspective to the table on Footy Classified.

“With Footy Furnace entering its second year, we’re set to deliver even more hard-hitting insights and conversations that fans won’t want to miss. I can’t wait to get started and dive into what promises to be an unforgettable season.”

Former West Coast coach Adam Simpson had been targeted to replace Cornes on Monday night’s Footy Classified show to be the second expert alongside Lloyd but pulled out late in negotiations because of the travel factor given he is staying to live in Perth.

Ex-GWS captain Phil Davis was also sounded out but he is focusing on a career in finance.

Hawthorn and Geelong premiership player Isaac Smith is likely to be Cornes’ replacement on Nine’s Sunday Footy Show.