Newly appointed Essendon coach Mark McVeigh has confirmed that James Hird is on his radar to help take the club into a new era.
Speaking at his first press conference on Tuesday morning, McVeigh revealed he has James Hird "on top of my list" as someone to join the coaching group.
"Going forward, I'll have those discussions with James absolutely; I need to know where his footy journey is going to go from here," McVeigh said.
"He's obviously started that back through Port Melbourne, but we'll have those discussions going forward, and ultimately it will be up to James as to what he wants to do, and I'll respect that.
"Those conversations are always open with him and I. As I said, we speak regularly; we always have. He's been a great friend of mine for a long period of time.
"Once I found out I got the role, he's certainly on the top of my list. There's no doubt about that."
McVeigh, who played his entire career with the Bombers spanning over 14 years, touched on how even though both he and Hird were vying for the Bombers' top job, the fact that one of them got it hasn't broken their relationship.
"I love James Hird. He's one of my best mates, and it was difficult to go through the process against a good friend," he added.
"He's been a constant in my life since I was 17 years of age, and we spoke this morning.
"The way he spoke to me of how proud of this moment [he is] for me, it hasn't broken us; we are still together, but I understand, and I embrace the feelings of people that love James Hird because I do too."
President Andrew Welsh shared the news with Hird that he didn't get the job before it was announced, but revealed he hasn't heard from him yet.
"I went straight out to call James before the news broke," Welsh said.
"I tried him a couple of times; he didn't answer, and I have followed up with a text message.
"I'm hoping to speak with him today, and I'd love to see him as a part of the club going forward.
"I feel there's a significant value that James can bring, not just tokenistic, but real value that James can bring to our club and to our playing group.
"Mark and I want to catch up with him when the time's appropriate."
McVeigh specifically acknowledged the work Dean Solomon has done as an interim coach this season for the club and where he sees his future alongside other coaching candidates.
"I want to specifically acknowledge Dean Solomon," he noted.
"Solly [Solomon] put his hand up when this football club needed someone to step forward.
"I absolutely want Dean Solomon as part of the group. There's a list of assistants that I will talk to.
"It's always difficult to get people in; we know that, whether that's from interstate or in Melbourne, but there's a list there that I'll start to really approach and talk to, and we'll work through that process in the next few days."
Speaking about futures, McVeigh was questioned about superstar midfielder Zach Merrett, who is heavily linked to the Hawks for a second consecutive season.
"Zach and I have just met earlier as I walked in," he said.
"I've got a huge amount of respect for Zach. He's done so much for the club, and you must respect your champions.
"Zach and I will sit down at the appropriate time, and I think it's really important we understand the player's feelings... It's not just about the club's feelings, it's about his and where he's at.
"I respect him, I want him to be here, but I'll listen to him as well."
Merrett is still contracted with the Bombers until the end of next season, meaning a trade will have to occur if the club decides to take up an offer.
