The questions James Hird has raised after Essendon’s ‘grim’ start to 2026

The Bombers have started season 2026 with two heavy defeats, with no light at the end of the tunnel in sight.

Essendon great James Hird joined Wide World of Sports and has raised questions about Essendon’s slow start to the season.

“If you look at what they stand for as a team, you’re really searching for it,” Hird said on Wide World of Sports. 

Press PLAY to listen to full interview with James Hird

“If you don’t teach the contest right early, you are really relying on the other team to give it back.”

Image: Getty/Sarah Reed