Essendon great Matthew Lloyd has hit back at claims he’s part of a push for James Hird to return as coach of the club, labelling them “factually incorrect”.
On SEN, journalist Tom Morris said former Bombers chairman Paul Little is part of team Hird while Lloyd is on his side too.
Matthew Lloyd on Footy Classified. Nine
Kane Cornes also said on SEN that Little, Lloyd and former list boss Adrian Dodoro were part of a group pushing for Hird, with “secret coffees” taking place to undermine former coach Brad Scott.
On Nine’s Footy Classified, Lloyd was played the audio and said “I don’t know how I got dragged into that at all”.
“I did text Kane today and let him know that I wasn’t happy with that,” he said.
“I’ve said James should be part of the process and I’m not pro James or against James … if they decide he’s not part of the process, so be it. At the end of the day I want Essendon to pick the best coach, if it’s the next Adam Kingsley or Craig McRae, whoever it is that’s what I want for the club.
“The most tiring thing I’ve done in my media is talk about Essendon’s failings year after year, time after time. I want the best coach and I don’t care who it is.”
James Hird in the Essendon sheds while Brad Scott was coach. AFL Photos via Getty Images
Host Sam McClure put to Lloyd that the accusation was he was part of a “clandestine cabal” to oust Scott and replace him with Hird.
Lloyd responded that he’s never met Little and does not drink coffee.
“I’m the least political person because I’m not interested in politics or getting involved in trying to get someone a job. It’s categorically wrong,” he said.
“I’ve only just heard those clips but to Tom Morris and Kane Cornes who put that out there, that’s factually incorrect.
“I can’t be any stronger than that … because I’ve never delved into meeting anyone from the Essendon Football Club to pitch for anyone.”
The search for Brad Scott’s replacement has become a hot topic in the AFL with various figures giving their opinion.
Former AFL coaches Adam Simpson and Ken Hinkley have both suggested the job would be difficult to apply for if Hird is such a strong contender.
Club legend Kevin Sheedy, who is no longer on the board, said “to coach Essendon, you have to love Essendon”, in his support for Hird.
Lloyd didn’t agree with that take.
“I’m not on that side, Damien Hardwick wasn’t a Richmond person and you know what they did? They started winning,” he said.
“It comes back to the best person, the moment Essendon starts winning games … the passion comes.”