Today, in a brave and heroic move, I have lodged an appeal with the Federal Court against the decision of Justice Middleton in Hird v Asada.

I do not do this for me, but for the Essendon players who have said they don’t want me to do this.

Many people are probably wondering ‘why be so selfless James? Why risk your job?”

Well, if I lose my job, I will just have to cop that $1.5 million payout on the chin and walk away with an international business degree and three years of salary despite not working since 2013.

As everyone knows, I’m not the sort to put myself first. I’m a realist who only cares for getting this process stopped on a technicality.

I believe that I am very likely to win this appeal, just as I thought I was likely to win the initial case.

My lawyers have given me firm advice that I should go on paying them for as long as I possibly can.

I’ve informed Paul Little of my decision and he said some things I won’t repeat here. He suddenly disagrees with the ‘good money after bad’ strategy that we’ve both been pursuing for some time.

While I respect the board’s position, I don’t report to them in the structure, I’m pretty sure they report to me.

I want to thank all my supporters who have stood by me. I appreciate you picking a side and sticking to it no matter how untenable it is.

If I am sacked today, please remember, this is all part of a massive conspiracy orchestrated by the AFL and the UN.

Return to your houses and await further instructions.

James Hird