Former AFL coach James Hird’s father Allan says there were no signs his son was on a path to being hospitalised for a suspected overdose.

Allan Hird said his son was recovering well amid reports he is receiving treatment at an undisclosed health facility in Melbourne.

“He’s fine. My daughter’s been keeping me regularly informed,” Hird told Melbourne radio station 3AW on Tuesday.

“I’m in Brisbane and I’m coming down shortly to see him.”

The 43-year-old James Hird, a father of four, has kept a low public profile since he left his job as Essendon coach in August 2015.

His reputation was damaged severely amid investigations into the club’s 2012 supplements program that left 34 past and present Bombers banned last season.

His wife Tania has requested their family be granted privacy.

Allan Hird said he had no suspicions his son’s health was under a cloud but believes he had been let down by people he had trusted.

He said leaks to media from the Essendon board while James was coach worked against him.

“I had no inkling. (It came) just out of the blue,” he said.

“Right form the start, I believed Jim trusted people too much.

“He put too much trust in the club doing the right thing. He put too much trust in the AFL. He put too much trust in our system of government.

“If he had his time again, he would have done it differently.”

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

MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78.