Hird invited to Essendon solidarity march

Essendon has invited James Hird to join the club in unifying for the 2016 season.

The Bombers are planning a solidarity march from Federation Square to the MCG before their first match in Victoria this season, against Melbourne in Round 2.

Essendon CEO Xavier Campbell told Sports Today Hird is a part of that unified front.

‘We will be inviting every past player,’ Campbell said.

‘This is about the club moving forward. We want to bring everyone along on this journey together.’

Campbell said he has spoken to key out-of-contract player Cale Hooker, although his contract did not come up in the conversation.

‘Our discussion was based around what this year looks like for him away from football,’ he said.

‘We’re really passionate to ensure these players feel part of the Essendon family.’

Campell said contractual negotiations would go through Hooker’s manager anyway.

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