David Evans' shock resignation from the chair of the Essendon Football Club is perhaps a sign that no person, or their position, is more important to the club than James Hird. Not even one whose birthright was such that he was a logical chairman of a board that has been headed by so many outstanding people.

The supplements scandal in which the club is embroiled is, by now, much more than a story about sportsmen and the overreach for success. The parting of ways between the president, Evans, and the coach, Hird, has come to a spectacular end. Hird, it seems, knew his fate and didn't like it. Neither did others at the club. It appeared he was to be the sacrificial lamb.

In reprisal at what he perceived as an injustice, the Bomber coach sought to inflict damage on AFL boss, Andrew Demetriou. The invidiousness of the position this imposed on Evans is clear. The president had forced on him a Sophie's choice, between club and friend.

Perhaps Hird believed he was no-more guilty of a sporting crime than the players, but was the one to be punished and forever besmirched. While sympathisers say his worst crime has been naivete, it was he who on February 5, the day Essendon self-reported on the issue, said: ''I take full responsibility for what happens in our football department.''

He can resile neither from the sentiment nor from its fundamental truth.