James Hird has shared an update on Essendon that left the football world saddened. The new update struck a somber chord across the AFL community.

The former Bombers coach opened up about a private matter. That reveal sparked empathy from AFL fans.

The update follows a leak scandal. Columnist Caroline Wilson went after Hird and Eddie McGuire over what she called an alleged conspiracy.

Hird was said to have talked about a meeting that might resolve the coaching saga at the club. The meeting was mentioned without additional information in the reports.

Together, the personal reveal and the meeting talk are generating plenty of conversation.