James Hird has given a fresh update on Essendon that left the football world saddened. The new update left many feeling downcast across the AFL community.

The former Bombers coach shared a deeply personal disclosure. The disclosure prompted sympathy from AFL fans.

The update comes after a leak controversy. Columnist Caroline Wilson went after Hird and Eddie McGuire over what she called a conspiracy in her view.

Hird discussed a meeting as well that might resolve the coaching saga at the club. The meeting received attention with few specifics disclosed.

The personal update and the meeting news have been widely discussed.