Details surrounding the incident remain unclear, but Beyond Blue Chairman and former Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett says he was deeply saddened to hear the reports – describing the action as a “cry for help.”
"This is clearly a young person that is calling out for help and again according to the reports he's now receiving that professional help and and I think after today the public and the media should leave him and his family alone,” Mr Kennet said.
He also said Hird’s predicament reflects that of thousands of others in the broader community, only public scrutiny can intensify the situation. It’s a view reflected in social media support for Hird – former Magpie star Mick McGuane tweeting "even those who are mentally strong have a breaking point." Another message read "there's a human behind all high profile stories.”
On the field James Hird was an Essendon super-star, a Premiership hero, Brownlow Medallist and eventually club coach.
But, the supplement saga which rocked the AFL occurred under his watch and Hird's fall from grace was steep - he resigned from the club in 2015.
“It seems to be that I am the focus of that and whether I walk out the front door and bite to a comment - maybe some of it is my fault,” Hird said after a press conference in August 2015 after announcing his resignation.
The club has released a statement saying “Our thoughts are with James Hird and his family.This is a personal and private matter - the Club will continue to offer its support to James and the Hird family."
Another former Essendon player Mark Eustice endured his own battle with mental illness and depression.
"Some days mate you can't get out of bed you can't do anything - you're body aches you're so depressed," Eustice said.
He says asking for help was tough - but ultimately paved his road to recovery - a message he now shares wherever possible.
"Don't be ashamed to go up to say to someone I’m not feeling well - things are just different - whatever - ring a life line beyond blue sane Australia,” he said.
AFL figures offer support
Former Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett, chair of mental health group Beyond Blue, said it appeared Hird needed help.
"Assuming these stories have a basis of fact, this is a cry for help by an individual and I hope that he will get that help," Kennett told SEN radio on Friday.
Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley did not reference Hird directly but took to Twitter to urge the public against personally attacking sportspeople.
"The presumption that people who play sport well are bullet proof allows personal attacks hidden behind 'public interest'," Buckley tweeted.
"Keep us honest and critically analyse professional efforts but allow clubs to manage and support people in their brilliance and foibles."
Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact
Lifeline on 13 11 14. MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78.
