With the introduction of the Gold Coast Suns this year, and the Greater Western Sydney Giants next year, the importance of being able to identify young talent, and then develop it within a club environment, has never been greater. With that in mind, Essendon launched the James Hird Academy in 2010 to deliver a tailored program to prospective father/son candidates, NSW scholarship holders, and international scholarship holders, with an initial intake of 21 young men.

The program returns again this year, aiming to build on the achievements from last year, and also expand its focus as well as its importance within the Club. This year, we welcome to the Academy for the first time Tom Wallis (son of Dean Wallis), Jordan Williams (son of Darren “Daisy” Williams), and Callum and Harvey Daniher (son’s of Chris).

Our select group of Academy members will be provided with a unique opportunity to experience the inner workings of the football club, and receive the same expert training and advice that is afforded our professional senior players.

Also, this year will see the introduction of the Baby Bombers, an initiative aimed at boys under the age of 14 who are sons of ex-Essendon players eligible under the father/son rule. More details on this to follow.

This is an exciting time for the football club, and particularly the James Hird Academy, as we all work towards returning our club to its rightful position at the top of the AFL tree!

Ian Robson,
Chief Executive Officer Essendon Football Club