James Hird sick during TV show, taken to hospital

Essendon great James Hird was taken to hospital after suffering a worrying health scare during an appearance on an AFL talkshow.

The Bombers legend was appearing on Nine’s Footy Classified program when viewers noticed him coughing during the start of the show.

The Herald Sun reports Hird became bothered by something stuck in his throat and he vomited during the first ad break. He finished the show before heading to hospital.

“James did the show and went to emergency,” Eddie McGuire said, per the Herald Sun.

“They gave him general anaesthetic, put a tube down his throat and found a piece of lamb that was apparently blocking his oesophagus.

“It was like he was drowning because the saliva couldn’t get through.

“Most people would take two months off work — Hirdy finished the show and he’s out of hospital this morning.

“I guess I expect Essendon people to choke. But in all seriousness, Hirdy performed beautifully last night. He was all over the Michael Voss story and the Carlton’s situation. “He’s a very physical and mentally tough guy”.

James Hird suffering a coughing fit during his TV show. Photo: Nine.

News.com.au has contact Nine for comment.

Hird has moved into the media after concluding a stint as a part-time assistant coach at the GWS Giants.

The 53-year-old has served as the director of coaching Port Melbourne Football Club in the VFL.

Hird is expected to be back on screens on Wednesday for an episode of Footy Furnace with Jimmy Bartel.

The former Essendon coach was asked directly if he would be interesting in coaching Carlton after Michael Voss quit as Blues coach, effective immediately, on Tuesday. Josh Fraser will take over as interim Carlton coach.

“The Carlton job would be an incredible job … but I think I’d be the last person they’d ask,” Hird replied.

“I think IKON Park would blow up if I got asked.”

James and Tom Hird after Tom’s best and fairest at Port Melbourne in 2025.

“They should be looking for a coach who is the best fit for Carlton, and I think that is someone with experience in the industry but also willing to do the hard yards, not just with the team but also with the football club.

“Carlton, similar to Collingwood and Essendon, is a beast in its own right. But it is a very, very special beast that you need a very, very special person to coach.

“I think it suits a more experienced person because of all the external factors that come around Carlton are bigger than most other clubs.

“The coach that comes in also has that culture issue to change. And it’s not with bad players or bad people, it is in terms with the way they play.”

Source: https://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/james-hird-sick-during-tv-show-taken-to-hospital/news-story/d2b0d356115e9ddd0e8966bd5ab7f09f