Open accessibility guideSkip to sections navigationSkip to contentSkip to footerThe Sydney Morning Herald logoThe Sydney Morning Herald logoAdvertisementSportAFLJames Hird is officially in the running to be the next coach of Essendon.Updated July 1, 2026 — 1:38pm,first published 1:28pmLoadingLatest in VideosVideo icon1:30Haaland fires Norway into last 16Video icon1:40Paro crowned welterweight world championVideo icon0:52NAS takes victory over Burgess in 'mayhem' fightVideo icon1:04Qantas unveils ultra-long direct Sydney to London flightAdvertisementThe Sydney Morning Herald logoTwitterFacebookInstagramRSSOur SitesThe Sydney Morning HeraldThe AgeBrisbane TimesWAtodayThe Australian Financial Reviewnine.com.auDriveClassifiedsTributesPlace your adThe Sydney Morning HeraldContact & supportAdvertise with usNewslettersAccessibility guideSitemapPhoto salesPurchase front pagesContent licensingWork with usTerms of usePrivacy policyPress CouncilCharter of Editorial IndependenceAI Editorial GuidelinesProducts & ServicesSubscription packagesMy accountSubscriber FAQsDelivery statusToday’s PaperGood Food GuideDaily PuzzlesCopyright © 2026Subscribe