Hird signed the back of the unwashed and grass-stained jumper with a message to club helper and good friend, Colin Hooper, who was given the historic guernsey.
The message says: ""To Hoops, 250 games, James Hird"".
""It meant a lot to him (Colin) and meant a lot to me that he had it, so it's disappointing that someone's stolen it,"" Hird said.
""It's more than a jumper. It's the end of my time at the club and the relationship. We've all been pretty emotional about it.
""We just want it back, and I want Hoops to have it back.""
An emotional Hooper, who has served at the club for 36 years as an interchange steward, club runner and trainer struggled to hold back the tears yesterday when speaking to media.
""That's a special jumper and it meant everything,"" Hooper said.
Hird has offered to give Hooper his guernsey from his final game played at Subiaco last week but Hooper has refused saying it would not hold the same sentiment as the original guernsey.
""I don't want another one, I want that one,"" Hooper said.
""Another one doesn't count, well it counts, but it's not the same.""
Victorian Police said the guernsey is easily identifiable with a personal signed message, watermarked Essendon logos, an AFL printed logo and a special internal pocket (for GPS equipment). The logos and pocket are only found on jumpers used in official games.
Anyone with information can contact the Essendon Football Club or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
