James Hird has given a fresh update on Essendon that left the football world saddened. The information revealed struck a somber chord across the AFL community.

The former Bombers coach shared a deeply personal disclosure. That reveal drew compassion from AFL fans.

The update arrives in the wake of a leaking episode. Columnist Caroline Wilson went after Hird and Eddie McGuire over what she called a conspiracy in her view.

Hird was said to have talked about a meeting that may close the chapter on the coaching drama. The meeting received attention without additional information in the reports.

The revelation and the meeting reports are generating plenty of conversation.