James Hird, a legend already. This man has been a match-winner on so many occasions it would be ludicrous to try to list them, and has placed him as arguably the league's most valuable player. Playing mainly off centre-half forward (and I say "off" because most of the time you can see him in any pack forward of the centre, and even in the backline!), his vision sets up many of Essendon's attacks on goal. His versatility is second-to-none. Whenever you see an opposition forward having a good day, more than likely Sheedy will put Jimmy on him and you won't see that opposition player for the rest of the game - not only that, but you'll see James running off the backline to continue to set up attacks for the Dons. He took out the Best and Fairest for the second consecutive year in 1995, and he is continuing his winning form through 1996. He has also been named co-vice-captain for 1996 with Michael Long, and it seems like it's only a matter of time before he gets the top job.
[Last updated: Round 14, 1996] Achievements: Best and fairest 1995, Best and fairest 1994, Essendon premiership side 1993, Essendon night premiership sides
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