Matthew Lloyd responds to claims that he is involved in a “secret push” for former Essendon coach James Hird to return to the club in a coaching capacity. Multiple outlets report that Lloyd says the allegation is “factually incorrect,” directly addressing the suggestion that he has sought to influence Hird’s appointment. The reports characterize the claim as part of a wider narrative around the so-called Hird saga, but they focus on Lloyd’s rebuttal rather than presenting new confirming details. Across the sources, the central point is Lloyd’s denial: he disputes involvement in any covert effort connected to Hird’s potential coaching involvement. The coverage does not indicate that Lloyd provides additional evidence in the articles summarized, but it underscores that his position is meant to counter the allegation. Overall, the reports present Lloyd’s response as an attempt to correct what he describes as inaccurate information circulating about his role in the coaching conversation involving Essendon and Hird.