Former Essendon captain James Hird’s car stolen while he slept

The former Essendon coach and captain says he is relieved that none of his family were during a midnight burglary in Toorak.

James Hird at his Toorak home yesterday. Picture: David Caird.

Former Essendon captain James Hird has spoken of his relief that none of his family was hurt during a midnight break-in.

“We were at home (and) someone came and broke into the house, stole the keys to the car,” Hird said. “It was a bit scary ... but luckily no one was hurt. My son woke up and saw the door open and closed it. We just have to find our car.”

Hird spoke after a lunch linked to a country game ­between Essendon and Geelong. He was described by SEN radio as visibly shaken by the burglary.

It is believed the thieves ­entered his home in Melbourne’s inner-city Toorak between 12am and 1.30am yesterday. Officers did not have a description of the ­offenders, Victoria Police said.

“Detectives are investigating the circumstances,” a spokeswoman said.

A silver Audi Q7 station wagon, with the registration number XCA 676, and some electronics were stolen while Hird and his family slept.

Hird was a star player for ­Essendon, playing 253 games, and was captain from 1998 to 2005. He became a key figure in the Essendon drugs supplements saga when he was the club’s coach, and he ultimately was suspended.