David Barham, who took over as Essendon president this week, was the producer of the 1996 documentary ‘100 Years of Australian Football’. From Jezza to Jacko, from John Coleman to John Bourke, it showcased the best and worst of the sport. Heading into round 23 – whether it was Essendon refusing to return Ben Rutten’s calls, Kevin Sheedy speaking sideways, or Tom Browne offering $1.05 on Alastair signing with the Bombers – a century of footy’s folly and folderol was crammed into a few days.
By Friday, people who should have known better were floating the idea of James Hird returning as senior coach. A few months ago, dressed for the boardroom, carrying a Sherrin and sporting what appeared to be a straight face, he emerged through a thick wall of smoke at the MCG. It was an astonishing scene. They wouldn’t, would they? It would boggle the mind, but stranger things have happened at Essendon.
