James Hird Premiership with Prahran U9s

James Hird has a premiership to celebrate - the Prahran Under 9s after their South Metro League Lightning Carnival Hayes Division win last Sunday (July 29).

The Essendon coach showed his commitment to sons Thomas and Alex by continuing to coach the Prahran U9s despite taking the full-time role with the Bombers last year.

Prahran Junior Football Club president Jamie Gray praised Hird for being a fine role model.

"He communicates really well with those eight and nine year-old boys. He is really positive with how he coaches, very encouraging,'' Gray told Stonnington Leader.

"James' desire to put back into junior football is fantastic, I admire him greatly for it,'' Gray said.

Hird also won the praise of SMJL general manager Dave Cannizzo.

"James goes to the opposition team at the end of the game and spends some time addressing the players, answering questions, doing autographs and spends time with opposition coaches as well,'' he said.

Prahran Juniors begin their finals campaign this Sunday represented by six teams- U11 Reds (1st on the ladder), U11s Blue (1st), U12s Red (4th), U12s Blue (4th), Under 13s (4th) Unde4 14 Division 3 (1st). Grand finals for U11-13 are on August 19 and Under 14s on August 26.