AFL legend James Hird, 53, was rushed to hospital and placed under general anaesthetic after experiencing a health scare during a live broadcast of Channel Nine's Footy Classified on Tuesday evening. The Essendon icon was appearing as a panellist when he became distressed, reportedly due to a piece of dinner becoming stuck in his throat.
Incident During Live Show
Viewers could hear Hird coughing during the opening stages of the program. He left the studio during the first advertising break to vomit. Despite the alarming episode, the former Bombers captain returned and completed the remainder of the show.
Host Eddie McGuire later revealed the severity of the situation. 'James did the show and went to emergency,' McGuire said. 'They gave him general anaesthetic, put a tube down his throat and found a piece of lamb that was apparently blocking his esophagus. It was like he was drowning because the saliva couldn't get through.'
Recovery and Praise
McGuire added, 'Most people would take two months off work. Hirdy finished the show and he's out of hospital this morning.' An insider described Hird as 'a warrior,' while another praised his 'super professional performance' in completing the broadcast under such duress.
Hird, a former Brownlow Medalist and two-time premiership player, has remained a prominent figure in AFL media since his playing career. He is expected to make a full recovery.
