Emotional ... James Hird embraces Brent Stanton and Jobe Watson. Source: Alex Coppel / News Limited
Essendon coach James Hird delivered an emotional speech to his players in the Subiaco rooms last Friday night, in which he thanked them and told of his pride after their win over Fremantle.
On FOX FOOTY's The Hangar on Wednesday night, Hird's post-match speech to his players following the win was shown.
In it, Hird - who this week met with ASADA investigators - told his players just how much the win meant to him and the club.
"Anything is possible if you continue to play with that hunger and train with that hunger," Hird said.
"I'm so proud of you, I thank you so much. I personally...just thank you, thank you."
Watch the emotional video at the top of the page or read James Hird's full speech to his players at the bottom of the page.
Inspirational skipper Jobe Watson was not to be outdone, jumping in following Hird's speech to declare his solid support for the club.
"From a player's perspective, the way the club is handling it and the people around it, it's comforting to come to the club and see these people here," he said.
"Because you know the people inside the football club care about you and they're the people you can lean on.
"So, I'm saying it now - I know when I get around the club that we'll be OK.
"It's special because of the people in this room."
Hird's full speech to the players in the rooms following the win:
"Let's talk about pressure and the way you handled that pressure. We didn't handle it well early, did we?
"They were much better than us early. You're going to have to handle more pressure than that - finals are big games.
"But to come from five goals or six goals down at Subiaco and beat a very, very good team and run them off their legs, it's an incredible effort.
"And I think Jobe you said it at the start of the game, let's coach ourselves out on the ground.
"That's what leadership is all about - coaching yourself when things aren't going right. Well done to everyone in this footy club, tonight was an amazing effort. Everything has been incredible - we just have to keep it going, alright?
"You've got to enjoy your win, get to bed when you get to bed, wake up the next morning in the hotel (laughs) and let's go after St Kilda.
"Anything is possible if you continue to play with that hunger and train with that hunger. I'm so proud of you, I thank you so much. I personally...just thank you, thank you."
