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"He's got my undying love": James Hird's dad speaks about his son's hospitalisation.

James’s Hird’s father has voiced his unwavering support for his son following his hospitalisation after a reported overdose, and took aim at those who may have wronged the former Essendon coach.

In an interview on Melbourne radio station 3AW, Allan Hird defended his son and took the opportunity to criticise the AFL, Essendon Football Club, ASADA and former Gillard government for their role in the demise of his son’s coaching career.

Mr Hird said his son was “fine” following the medical scare that saw him rushed to hospital last week and vowed James had his father’s support.

“He’s my son,” he said. “He’s got my undying love and it lasts forever.”

“You just do what you can.”

The 70-year-old, who also played for Essendon, accused the football club, along with the AFL, Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority and the then-federal government of using his son as a “scapegoat” following the Bombers supplement scandal.

“He never accepted that he was the scapegoat,” he said.

“He went through and did what he thought was the right thing because he kept trusting people.”

James Hird with his sons in 2012. (Image via Getty)
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Mr Hird said news of his son's overdose came "out of the blue" for him.

“I’m in Brisbane, I’m coming down shortly to see him but my daughter has been keeping me informed," he said.

“I had no inkling, just out of the blue, but anyway, that’s where it is."

“I don’t really know what the cause is, that’s really between Jim and God, I don’t want to make any overt connection, I don’t believe that it’s appropriate.”

Mr Hird said that his son, who resigned as Essendon's coach in August 2015, was going to be stood down much earlier, in October 2014, but was saved by messages of support from fans.

Mr Hird also revealed that the saga, which he was confident more light would be shed on, had taken a toll on him too.

"It won't go away – there's too much of a smell around it," he said, adding he thought the truth about what had happened would come out eventually.

"I've lost my football club and I've lost the game I love and I want to get them back."

Mr Hird did not say whether James was home from hospital or not.

James Hird's wife Tania made a request for privacy in a statement made to the Herald Sun last week.

"James’ health is our primary focus and concern," she said.

If you or anyone you know is experiencing a personal crisis you can phone Lifeline 131 114, or beyondblue 1300 224 636, or visit lifeline.org.au  or beyondblue.org.au.