Tom Hird, the son of James Hird, has signed a contract with Essendon for another year.
The category B rookie joined Essendon in March 2020 after playing soccer for most of his teenage years.
Tom Hird at Bombers training in March 2020. Credit: Getty Images
“It’s great to be continuing at such a great club and I’m really looking forward to putting a lot of work into my body and craft over the pre-season to really attack next year,” Hird said.
“It’s a really exciting time at Essendon with the young group we have and the trust we have in our coaches and system and I can’t wait to continue to develop with these players.”
Hird has re-signed at the same time as fellow category B rookie Cian McBride. The Irishman McBride joined the Bombers in late 2019. The pair have been developing at VFL level since.
Essendon list and recruiting boss Adrian Dodoro said both deserve another opportunity given the way development has been impacted in the VFL during the pandemic.
“Both have dealt with respective injuries at different times this year but Cian as a key forward and Tom as a small midfielder have natural talent we’re looking to cultivate.
“With a substantial phase of development ahead of them in the club’s upcoming pre-season campaign, we hope they can give themselves every chance next season to feature in league football games.”
Essendon have re-signed a host of players as their 2021 season developed into one of promise, including the likes of Andrew Phillips, Jake Stringer, Darcy Parish and Zach Merrett. David Zaharakis wasn’t offered a new deal but is keen to extend his career at a second club.
Meanwhile at North Melbourne Aaron Hall has signed a one-year contract to see him through until the end of 2022.
Hall had a fantastic season for North in the back line with a career-high disposal average and the most metres gained on average across the AFL.
“‘Nobes’ [coach David Noble] and ‘Blakes’ [John Blakey], our defensive coach, they just always back you in. I probably haven’t had that from coaching staff in my whole 10 years of playing. Those two especially give me that great confidence to just play the game and use my strengths and my weapons and bring that every week. I suppose it’s just given me a lot of confidence,” Hall said.
Keep up to date with the best AFL coverage in the country. Sign up for the Real Footy newsletter.