AFL legend James Hird splits from wife Tania after 27 years

AFL legend James Hird and wife Tania have reportedly separated after keeping a secret for more than a year.

James Hird and wife Tania have reportedly been separated for more than a year.

The Herald Sun first reported the couple have called it quits after 27 years of marriage.

According to the report, Hird has moved out of the family’s home in Melbourne’s east.

Tania, a successful jewellery and fashion leader, kept fans guessing recently as she was seen at different times with her wedding band off — and on other occasions she was seen in public without the bling.

The celebrated couple had endured more than their fair share of drama with Tania one of her husband’s biggest supporters throughout the Essendon legend’s doping saga — and the circus of his attempt to return to coach the club a second time.

Essendon AFL coach James Hird (left) and wife Tania (right) leave at the Federal Court. AAP Image/Tracey Nearmy.

Former Essendon captain James Hird poses for a photo with his wife Tania and children in 2010. AAP Image/Julian Smith.

There have also been fears for the family and the Brownlow Medal winner after he bravely went public with his battle with mental health.

Tania has been by his side the whole time and was last year seen celebrating alongside her husband during his 50th birthday.

The couple share four children, Stephanie, Tom, Alex and William.

According to reports during the ASADA scandal, Tania and James became closer than ever as they went down fighting together when trying to save her husband’s coaching career.

Tania is a former Corrs Chambers Westgarth commercial property lawyer. She is a former state swimming champion and Melbourne Youth Orchestra member.

The couple seemed unbreakable.

“My family is No.1 in my life,” he said at the time he began his senior coaching career.

The news comes as Hird’s career took another twist last year when he was signed up to be Channel 9’s leading football analyst in 2025.

The 51-year-old Hird has replaced Leigh Matthews on Channel 9’s Footy Furnace.

The premiership-winning captain was previously widely applauded for opening up on the devastating moments he inflicted self harm during his darkest moments.

Hird in 2017 had a sleeping pill overdose and spent five weeks in a psychiatric ward.

He bounced back and even returned to the football industry when taking up a coaching role with the GWS Giants.

Hird, in 2023, left the role.

James Hird with wife Tania at the Australian Open.

That came after incredible scenes in 2022 where the Essendon board of directors were split in two with senior powerbrokers, including club icon Kevin Sheedy, leading a push for Hird to coach the club again.

Despite leading the club when it was brought to its knees during the doping scandal of 2014, Hird remains a favourite son among the Essendon faithful.

He won a premiership with the club in 1993 and again in 2020 when he won the Norm Smith Medal as the best player on the field in the grand final.

He retired in 2007 after 253 games and 343 goals for the club.

Originally published as AFL legend James Hird splits from wife Tania after 27 years