It is believed a former Essendon player may have blown the whistle on possible use of substances to assist with training and growth of athletes.
Hird defended his football department staff as the stunning revelations were exposed.
“Shocked, is probably the best word,” a clearly anguished Hird said.
Essendon chairman David Evans, flanked by Hird and Bombers chief executive Ian Robson made a shock release on Tuesday that an AFL and Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority investigation was under way after allegations of substance use had been made against the famous club.
Hird, his assistant-coaches, medical and sports science staff as well as Bombers players are all certain to be interviewed in the expansive inquiry.
It is understood a prime term of reference in the investigation will be rapid and substantial bulk in a lot of Bombers players leading into last season.
How some of the training methods were introduced and enhanced is tipped to be of significant interest to investigators.
Hird claimed as his club confessed to the shock investigation launch that he could be held responsible for all activities within his football operations.
“We believe that me the leader of the football department as the coach, take full responsibility for what happens in our football department,” Hird said.
“I believe we followed processes. We put in place the right sort of processes and my understanding is we worked within the framework that was given to us by the AFL and by WADA.
“I’m shocked to be sitting here.”
In Hird’s second season at the helm his Bombers started last season in outrageously exciting form and emerged serious premiership threats two months into the home-and-away campaign.
They won their opening four engagements and then on to eight of their first nine games and only lost three times in their first 13 appointments in narrow defeats to Collingwood by just one point on Anzac Day, a shock loss to Melbourne by a goal in Round 10 and then the next week by only four points to eventual premiers Sydney.
Essendon’s season soured significantly after sitting fourth at Round 14 and losing eight of their last nine games as a crippling injury toll mounted and especially with key running and play-making personnel.