Hird’s acceptance speech:
Congratulations to Scotty first of all. When he first came down from Camperdown, we thought we had something special and I think tonight has proved that. He is a very special player around the club and a very special person. To he and Georgina they are a great couple to have around the club and now Mia, and I think you are a credit to yourselves.
I would like to thank Graeme McMahon for his time at the club. When Graeme first came to the club, I think all the players thought what have we got here. He stormed into the club and scared a few blokes, me included. I remember a meeting we had in 1998 and he told all the players in no uncertain terms what the ground rules were and where the club was going and he took it there. In 1998 the club was really in turmoil, there was talks about the coaches being sacked and there was a lot of unrest in the club. Graeme grabbed the club by the scruff of his neck and said we are going in this direction and we are going to win a premiership. Unfortunately for him or fortunately, we only won one when we should have won more, but to Graeme's credit, I think the club has gone further and further under his leadership. The next person who takes over from Graeme has big shoes to fill and I hope they can do as good a job as he. So Graeme, thank you very much for your time.
To all of our sponsors - Hutchison 3, IMB, Musashi and to TAG Heuer for sponsoring the night. Without the sponsors we have at this club and the individual player sponsors, we wouldn't be the club that we are. I know that Peter Jackson and his staff do a great job to get those sponsors, but I think those sponsors also get great value for money. So thank you to those sponsors.
To the doctors and physios thank you for all of your help and time. I spend far too much time in the medical room. Especially on cold nights I spend too much time in there with SES. When I hurt my foot in 1998 and missed 1999, I probably could not have dreamed of getting back up here as a Crichton medal winner. You guys have really pulled me along and I really would like to thank you a lot. To the trainers you are the heart and soul of the club and we really appreciate all of the work you do. To a group of people in the property room - David Friend and Ady Schwegler.
I find it hard to talk about the football club because of what it means to me. I think we all play with a lot of passion, but the Essendon Football Club means a hell of a lot to me and to be up here tonight and win this award, does mean a lot.
I know there are a lot of players in contract negotiations and the club is in a position that they don't want to be in and the players are in positions that they don't want to be in, but I certainly hope that the club and the players that are in those positions can work something out.
At the end of last year, we didn't know where we were going, but at the end of 2003 we know where we are going. I think we have a side that can go somewhere and I think if we can keep the players we have got and the players can find it in their hearts to take what the club is offering. I am not sure what the situation is and I know it is hard and if a player leaves for money, I don't think anyone would begrudge them because they work very hard, but if we can keep the players we have got, with a few small additions, then the club will see itself very successful in the next year or two. The players we have got can do it. To the coaches - I believe we have got the best coaching group around. Kevin Sheedy is still the most astute coach and I believe that Harvs, Shawy, Kevin Morris and Floody, make up a great team around him.
One coach I would like to thank especially is John Quinn. He is a very good friend of mine and he has really stuck with me through thick and thin in 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001 and he told me I would be up here winning this and I probably didn't believe him. I would like to thank you Quinny for all the time you have put into me.
To Barney and SES, you are two very special people. To Steve and Kara, and Melissa and Paul, you are part of the Essendon Football Club and I do hope we see you around a hell of a lot more. Especially Steve, Kara and Melissa, Barney we can probably do without you because we have almost had enough of you! The other three are more than welcome to come back anytime.
