James Hird’s pitch is tribal. The brilliance of the campaign, intended or not, is that it creates momentum for him, may dissuade other candidates, and is founded in Essendon patriotism.

Why did the axe fall on Scott, and have the Bombers contradicted themselves? We ask all the big questions raised by this decision, including whether James Hird will throw his hat…

The Bombers champion, who also oversaw the infamous supplements saga, wants to return as senior coach, adding he wants the club to be “the best club in the AFL again”.