Games: 16
Goals: 11
Kicks: 231
Marks: 84
Handballs: 104
THE FAN'S RATING: 8.2 / 10
Some of what the fans had to say:
""Well, considering what he went through this season, he did very well. It takes great courage to come back after an injury like that,"" Sara Collins.
""Courage, courage, courage. But injury obviously stopped our great Captain from influencing the season to the extent he would have liked. Next year Jimmy!"" Patrick Sweeney.
""What can you say about this man? Proved why he is the ICON of the Essendon Football Club. Words can't describe what he did this year. The term ""captain courageous"" is thrown around too much in the AFL these days. That term should only be used when describing this awesome captain, awesome footballer, and courageous person! Our CHAMPION and were proud of him!"" John Ciccaldo.
""The guy is a champion - the best player I've seen in an Essendon guernsey in 60 years of following the Bombers. Without that terrible injury he would no doubt have won the Best & Fairest and probably the Brownlow."" Graham Flynn.
""Nobody questions his courage or commitment but injury yet again takes its toll on the inspirational skipper. When will someone else step up and take some of his workload?"" Michael Leung.
""Never have I seen the word ""champion"" better used than in the first two quarters he played returning from injury. His courage, commitment, ability and talent rate a perfect 10 in my book."" Justin Woodward.
""Was brilliant at the start of the season until that dark day in Fremantle. Was still very good afterwards but never quite got back to his best."" Geoffrey Heffernan.
""Absolute champion. Overcame a horrific injury that almost ended his career. We need him fit for an entire season to seriously challenge the top teams."" Glen Smooker.
THE WASH UP:
Essendon supporters have once again been stunned by the courage of their captain and said that under the circumstances his season was excellent. They would love to see what an injury-free James Hird could produce in 2003.
MARK HARVEY SAYS:
""James again showed what a fantastic leader he is and what great courage he has. To do what he did when he came back from injury was an inspiration to the team and the club. We would all just love to see him get through a season injury free and 2003 might be it. His pre-season will be important and fully fit he will again give us great service.""
