James Hird's family releases statement

James Hird's family has released a statement acknowledging the public support towards the former Essendon coach since he was taken to hospital on Wednesday night.

"We wish to express our appreciation for the public support that has been given to James and our family since news of his hospitalisation became known," Tania Hird said in a statement.

"At this time James and the Hird family are in need of privacy. We ask that this privacy be respected. We particularly ask this of the media contingent currently gathered at our house.

"James' health is our primary focus and concern. We will making no further comment."

Earlier on Friday, Essendon chairman Lindsay Tanner said the Bombers would continue to support Hird and the family.

"On behalf of the entire Essendon family our thoughts are with James Hird and his family," Tanner said in a statement released on the Essendon website.

"This is a personal and private matter and we ask the media to respect the privacy of James and his family.

"The club will continue to offer its support to James and the Hird family."

Beyondblue chairman Jeff Kennett said the overdose was Hird looking for care after a troubling time.

Hird was treated in hospital after suffering what was listed as an 'intentional poisoning overdose'.

"This is a cry for help by an individual and I hope that he will get that help," Kennett told SEN.

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"Quite clearly we don't know the circumstances, but when a young person — male or female — attempts to take their life, particularly with drugs, it is a cry for help.

"Without knowing the circumstances, this individual is a young man, (with a) family, obviously he has got circumstances he wishes to deal with, but you've heard me say so many times before, the greatest gift we have is the gift of life. Regardless of the circumstances with which we are facing ... life is by far the better option."

Hird, 43, was transported to Cabrini Hospital in Malvern from his Toorak home at around 10pm before he was discharged to be treated at a mental health facility.

The substance behind Hird's overdose is unknown.

Cabrini Hospital and Ambulance Victoria declined to comment, citing patient confidentiality.

A former Essendon official reportedly expressed concerns about Hird's welfare late last year, worried about his mental health.

Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley did not reference Hird directly but tweeted urging the public against personally attacking sportspeople.

"The presumption that people who play sport well are bullet proof allows personal attacks hidden behind 'public interest'," he wrote.

"Keep us honest and critically analyse professional efforts but allow clubs to manage and support people in their brilliance and foibles."

Hird has kept a low profile after leaving the Bombers in August 2015 following the club's damaging supplements saga.

Following a stellar playing career that included two premierships and a Brownlow Medal triumph, Hird returned to Essendon in 2011 for his first stint as an AFL senior coach.

Hird led the Bombers to the finals in 2011 but his tenure unravelled when it was revealed that the Bombers had implemented a doping program.

After the AFL suspended Hird for 12 months in August 2013, he returned to coach Essendon for the 2015 season before he resigned in August under heavy pressure both on and off the field.

Hird last year lost a court battle to have Chubb Insurance cover almost $660,000 of legal bills he accrued for challenging the AFL and ASADA in the Federal Court.

Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467.

MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78.