“No, I will definitely not be wearing the helmet next year – it has been donated to charity,” Hird said. “Never again will I put it on.” It is a clear indication that Hird’s fractured forehead is now completely healed and he will be fully fit when pre-season training commences next Monday.
Hird also spoke about the off-season frustration the club felt at having to part company with Justin Blumfield, Chris Heffernan and Blake Caracella and also de-list Steven Alessio. ""It is frustrating to lose four people who I consider very good friends. But it isn't just a problem at Essendon - it seems every time I pick up a paper at the moment I read about clubs wanting players to take pay cuts and obviously Carlton have their problems. The whole system looks like it needs something done.""
