Has former Bulldogs player and now Essendon recruit Adam Cooney done James Hird a massive favour?
Cooney, a Brownlow Medallist has given the beleaguered Hird a ringing endorsement.
Essendon list manager Adrian Dodoro said the coach was a key reason why Cooney chose them as his new home.
Cooney has left the Western Bulldogs in return for the second-round No.37 pick, which was originally part of the trade with Port Adelaide for Patrick Ryder.
The deal was confirmed only 16 days after Hird was the notable no-show at Essendon’s best and fairest night.
Speculation was rife on October 1 that Hird was about to be sacked because he had broken ranks with the club and decided to appeal against last month’s Federal Court verdict.
That night, chairman Paul Little and caretaker coach Mark Thompson did not mention Hird once in lengthy and emotional speeches.
Five days later, the club announced Hird would stay as coach for the time being.
Hird has just returned from his 12-month AFL suspension over the club’s ongoing supplements saga.
He continues to sharply divide opinion across the AFL.
But Dodoro said Hird and the club’s modern training facilities at Tullarmarine were key reasons why Cooney chose the Bombers over North Melbourne.
“They really hit it off and he wanted to play for him,” Dodoro said.
“It was his relationship with James Hird.
“Our indoor facility was something Adam was really impressed with, because of the sponginess of the floor,” he added, apparently not in jest given Cooney has battled a knee problem throughout his career.
St Kilda’s James Gwilt and GWS ruckman Jonathan Giles have also joined the Bombers in this trade period.
“You can ask the boys that we approached, they all wanted to come,” Dodoro told Fairfax Radio.
“The Essendon footy club is a different club. We’re moving forward and people see that when they walk in the door.
“The three boys that we bought in just love the place.”
Cooney is the third big name in three years to join Essendon, following former St Kilda midfielder Brendon Goddard in 2012 and Geelong forward Paul Chapman last year.
“It’s no secret that we’ve needed some outside speed, a guy who can deliver the ball really well, win his own footy when he needs to, but also kick goals,” Hird told Channel Seven.
“He’ll complement our team really well.”
Cooney may have a knee problem, but Essendon signed him for two years after club doctor Bruce Reid spoke to his Bulldogs counterpart.
“That verdict was excellent – Adam’s knee is in good condition, which (was) always a bit of a worry,” Hird said.
