The James Hird Academy, launched in 2010, was set-up by the Essendon Football Club aiming to identify, attract and develop young players from non-traditional AFL regions, international zones and father/son opportunities, taking their development through to the drafting age with the ultimate goal of being elevated to the Essendon senior list.

The program continues in 2013, aiming to build on the achievements of the last three years. Amid all the activity of the James Hird Academy, the boys achieved a number of significant personal milestones on the football field, with the most significant being the graduation of Joe Daniher from Academy member to Essendon senior listed player after being drafted with pick in 10 in the 2012 National Draft under the Father/Son rule.

There is no doubt 2012 was an exciting and extremely rewarding year for the James Hird Academy. We thank all those within the club who have devoted their time and expertise in helping to deliver the program in 2012. Hopefully we can uncover another Brownlow medalist from our father/son ranks.

Once again, we have a number of boys playing at junior state league level, with a few of these likely to represent their state in their particular age group at National Championship level.

We look forward to another successful and promising year in 2013, as the James Hird Academy continues to go from strength to strength.

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