Hird's Bombers trained at the SCG on Friday ahead of Saturday afternoon's heavyweight showdown with the Sydney Swans.
The winner of the sold-out clash will solidify its place in the top four.
Essendon has coped remarkably well with the scrutiny it has faced during the ongoing investigation into its 2012 supplement program, winning seven of its opening nine matches.
With the exhaustive player interviews now complete, however, Hird is expecting them to lift another notch.
"I certainly hope so. That's the idea," he told reporters.
"I think the players have done a great job at focusing on football, the coaches have done a great job of focusing on football and so has the football club.
"Now those interviews are over, the ability for the players to focus on the football even more, I think we'll see a really good back half of the year."
While the Bombers have impressed across the opening nine rounds of the competition, the Swans are also taking flight, putting in their best performance of the year in last week's annihilation of Collingwood.
Hird is planning for Adam Goodes to be at his brilliant best, despite the toll that a week of controversy must surely have taken on the dual Brownlow medallist, while the Bombers coach is also in awe of the premiers' midfield.
"I think the Swans' midfield has the best balance of attack and defence in the competition," Hird said.
"It's not just about winning the ball, it's about defending as well, and that's when you see a great midfield come together.
"They were terrific (against Collingwood). That's the best I think they've played for the year and it looks like they're into some really good form.
"Dangerous in attack, miserly in defence and around the contest, they're the hardest team in the competition.
"They're going very well, but we think we're going OK as well.
"I think it'll be a very good contest."
Both sides were forced to make a change in their forward lines this week, with Tommy Walsh replacing Sam Reid (quad) and Scott Gumbleton brought in for Michael Hurley (ankle).
Hurley just fell short of retaining his place in the team and Hird expects Gumbleton – who got the nod ahead of Joe Daniher – to make a significant impact.
"(Hurley) was very close, he's actually out there training today, but we didn't want to risk him," Hird said.
"Scott's been in really good form. Had a week off, played reserves last week and was best on ground, so he really deserves his spot in the side.
"He's a guy who can take a lot of marks for us and set up the game."
James Dampney is a reporter for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_JD
