James Hird has given a fresh update on Essendon that left the football world saddened. The information revealed left many feeling downcast across the AFL community.

The former Bombers coach shared a deeply personal disclosure. That reveal sparked empathy from AFL fans.

The update comes after a leak controversy. Columnist Caroline Wilson went after Hird and Eddie McGuire over what she called a conspiracy in her view.

Hird discussed a meeting as well 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.