Giants coach explains Hird’s Harbour City influence

GWS head coach Leon Cameron has explained that James Hird has had an influence on both sides of the boundary line during his time spent with the Giants this pre-season.

Hird agreed to join the side from Sydney's West in January, with the 49-year-old's part-time position focussing on building the expansion club's leadership stocks. 

Speaking via SEN radio waves, Cameron claimed Hird had been spending the majority of his time consulting with the club's three skippers, Stephen Coniglio, Toby Greene and Josh Kelly.

“He’ll be involved in our leadership program, working closely with our leadership group, our three captains and our next emerging leaders,” the former Bulldog and Tiger delineated.

As it stands, the Giants will enter their 11th season at AFL level with their three co-captains, as well as fellow leadership group members Phil Davis, Matt de Boer, Lachie Whitfield, Jacob Hopper and Nick Haynes.

Still, Cameron held a view that Hird's presence would help build the skills of those that would eventually inherit the reins from this group.

“We think we’ve got a fine young bunch of lads underneath our leadership group and our three captains," he added.

"He’ll [Hird] spend the majority of time with them [the leadership group], but once a month he’ll be spending time with those young fellas as well."

While the Brownlow medallist had initially been brought north to forge the Giants in an off-field sense, the man who took over from Hird's mentor, Kevin Sheedy, in 2014 revealed that the midfielder had also been getting his hands dirty during training drills.

“Equally though, he’s also got a footy interest. It’s not just about leadership, but the majority of it is," Cameron said.

“He’s out getting involved in the drills in pre-season when he comes up. He’s been up two or three times in the month of January and he’s due up next week.”

With many believing that Hird would be lost to football following his acrimonious exit from Essendon during the height of the drugs saga, Cameron was overjoyed that his club had played a role in keeping the association alive.

“It’s really great, I think it’s fantastic,” he told SEN listeners.

“Clearly it’s a win-win for both. It’s great for us because we have his experience and knowledge of football, both coaching and playing.

“He’s genuinely excited just to get back into footy as well.”

Hird's latest visit to the Harbour City will arise ahead of GWS' pre-season clashes against Sydney and Collingwood across the next month.

Cameron and the Giants will commence their season proper when they face the Swans again on Saturday, March 19 at Accor Stadium in Homebush.