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‘Essendon, and James, need a fresh start’

James Hird should quit as Essendon coach in the wake of the club’s supplements scandal, AFL legend Leigh Matthews says.

Leigh Matthews believes Hird should step away from the Bombers.

Leigh Matthews believes Hird should step away from the Bombers.

Hird and Essendon recently lost a Federal Court challenge to the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority’s investigation of the club.

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The court rejected Essendon’s assertion that ASADA’s probe into the club’s 2012 supplement program was unlawful.

Hird, who has served a 12-month AFL suspension, is to return as Essendon’s senior coach next season.

But Matthews believes Hird should step away from the Bombers.

“Essendon need a fresh start,” Matthews said this morning.

“And it’s not about Essendon pushing him out. I think James himself … fresh start. It’s not guilt or right or wrong.

“I was supportive of the position as the senior coach 12 months ago but now it needs a fresh start.

“It’s Hirdy’s choice. I don’t necessarily see Essendon pushing him out. You can’t put yourself in another man’s shoes but that is what I would be doing if I was him.”

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