MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 30: James Hird presents the Norm Smith Medal to Dustin Martin of the Tigers during the 2017 Toyota AFL Grand Final match between the Adelaide Crows and the Richmond Tigers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 30, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)

James Hird will make his return to football this weekend, in an expert commentary role for radio station Triple M.

According to the Herald Sun, Hird will call Saturday afternoon's match between his former club Essendon and St Kilda for the station.

The former Essendon midfielder will call multiple games for the station throughout the season.

Hird admits his first up assignment is not preferable, however he is ready to get back into it.

"I was hoping it’d be an easier game to commentate, but after the goings-on on the weekend it might be a bit more controversial,” he told Triple M.

“I love the game and always have loved the game.

“(I) obviously finished coaching four or five years ago now and haven’t had any involvement in the game.

“To step back into it wasn’t an easy decision and something that we’ve been weighing up for a couple of years.

“I want to be back enjoying football and I think this is a great way to be back commentating with some interesting characters.”

Hird played 253 games for the Essendon Football Club, and coached the club between 2011-13, and 2015.