Port Adelaide great Kane Cornes has condemned rumours about a coaching return for Essendon legend James Hird at the GWS Giants, following concerns over current coach Leon Cameron's future in the position.
Cameron last week confirmed that contract talks had been put on hold between him and the Giants, following a disappointing past two seasons following an incredible grand final berth in 2019.
Following these comments, whispers began to swirl about Hird being at the forefront to replace Cameron, should he lose his job, with the former Essendon coach only making his return to an official AFL role in January, following a lengthy absence from the game.
Despite receiving support from AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan, who told 3AW that it would be "great to see him back involved at a club up in New South Wales", four-time Port Adelaide best and fairest winner Kane Cornes shut down these rumours, saying that Hird was "not qualified" to take the position.
"James Hird's coaching record when he was at Essendon is nowhere near Leon Cameron's, and he hasn't done the work that say a Michael Voss has done," Cornes said on Nine's Footy Classified.
"Vossy loses the first opportunity, goes away, goes to a different club, develops himself, coaches midfield, does leadership, works on connection, then gets a second opportunity.
"Why would you give it to James Hird?"
Journalist Sam McClure backed Cornes' argument surrounding Hird's premature promotion, with Hird "currently working three days a week as a part-time development coach".
However, former Essendon teammate and three-time Coleman medallist Matthew Lloyd played down the criticism that his Bombers counterpart was receiving.
"It's unfair though, we don't know if he wants to (become senior coach)," Lloyd said.
SEE ALSO: “Football became the biggest chore for me”: Why Matthew Lloyd doesn’t regret not kicking 1000 goals
Hird suffered a tough time as Essendon's coach during his almost four-year tenure at the helm. The 49-year-old was appointed for the 2011 season and had mixed success, however, a 12-month suspension in 2013 for his role in the infamous Essendon supplements scandal sparked the end for Hird at the Bombers.
After a short return, the club great left the Bombers during the 2015 AFL season, following a run of disappointing results. The two-time premiership player left the Dons with 41 wins, 43 losses, and one draw.
