Open accessibility guideSkip to sections navigationSkip to contentSkip to footerAdvertisementSportAFLAFL journalist Damian Barrett says the Essendon coach criteria should have "precluded" James Hird from the process months before a decision was made.August 25, 2026 — 9:40amLoadingLatest in VideosVideo icon0:17Hewitt advances to the round of 32Video icon0:24Commuter chaos in Sydney as train lines downVideo icon1:00João Pedro strikes after 31 secondsVideo icon1:07Record signing Rogers delivers in debutAdvertisementTwitterFacebookInstagramRSSOur SitesThe AgeThe Sydney Morning HeraldBrisbane TimesWAtodayThe Australian Financial Reviewnine.com.auDriveClassifiedsTributesPlace your adThe AgeContact & 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