FORMER North Melbourne champ Glenn Archer and retired Essendon superstar James Hird have again taken to the field – this time as a retired duo – ahead of their former clubs’ season opener at Telstra Dome.
Hird watched Archer complete a lap of honour before admitting he’s missing being in the action on game day.
“I didn’t think I’d miss it, but definitely right now it feels really strange,” Hird said on Melbourne radio station Triple M.
“The hairs go up on the back of your neck, and the only thing is that I’m not fit and not ready to play. Otherwise, I’d love to get out there.”
Archer and Hird, inspirational figures for their teams for so long, joined forces on the boundary line of Telstra Dome with their young children before walking to the centre of the ground amid rapturous applause from the growing Easter Monday crowd.
The pair were on hand not only to watch their former teams but also to later present the inaugural winner of the Archer-Hird Medal.
The medal is new in 2008 and will be awarded to the player who best personifies the qualities of the two champions.
“To have a medal with myself and James’ name on it is a huge honour,” said Archer, who is also missing his playing days.
“I’m doing it tough - it’s the first time that I’ve really missed it.”
“Even in 30 years time I still think I’ll miss it, when you’re actually on the ground, because the atmosphere is really electric and you just want to get out there and have a kick.”
Hird played his entire career under former Essendon coach Kevin Sheedy, but likes what he has seen of new coach Matthew Knights.
“He’s certainly changed the game style,” Hird said.
“They’re a very fast team with a lot of run out of the back line and a lot of handballing.
“They’ve had a great pre-season with no injuries and they’ve won some games … but I think the reality hits now with round one.”
North Melbourne and Essendon are meeting in a round one blockbuster under the Docklands roof, with well over 40,000 people in attendance.
Both teams go into the clash as named.
