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Kevin John Sheedy

Last updated on November 25, 2024 at 18:09 pm

Posted on July 18, 2024 at 08:51 am

Kevin John Sheedy

Personal information

Full name

Kevin John Sheedy

Nickname(s)

Sheeds

Date of birth

24 December 1947 (age 76)

Place of birth

Melbourne, Australia

Original team(s)

Prahran (VFA)

Height

180 cm (5 ft 11 in)

Weight

81 kg (179 lb)

Position(s)

Defender

Playing career

Years

Club

Games (Goals)


1967–1979

Richmond

251 (91)


Representative team honours

Years

Team

Games (Goals)



Victoria

8 (1)


International team honours

2005–2006

Australia (coach)

4


Coaching career

Years

Club

Games (W–L–D)


1981–2007

Essendon

634 (386–242–6)


2012–2013

Greater Western Sydney

44 (3–41–0)


1985–1986

Victoria

4 (2–2–0)


Playing statistics correct to the end of 1979.

 Coaching statistics correct as of 2013.

Career highlights

Player

  • 3x VFL premiership: 1969, 1973, 1974,

  • 3x Championship of Australia championship: 1969, 1973, 1974

  • Richmond best and fairest: 1976

  • Media Association Player of the Year: 1974

  • Richmond captain: 1978

  • Richmond Team of the Century (back pocket)

  • Richmond Hall of Fame

Representative

  • National Football Carnival championship: 1972

Coaching

  • 4x VFL/AFL premiership: 1984, 1985, 1993, 2000

  • 3x All-Australian team: 1985, 1993, 2000

  • 2x VFL Team of the Year: 1984, 1985

  • Essendon Team of the Century

  • AFLCA Coaching Legend Award: 2014

Australian Football Hall of Fame

  • 28th Australian Football Hall of Fame Legend


Kevin Sheedy’s enduring legacy in Australian Rules Football is a reflection of his unparalleled impact on the sport. With a career spanning decades as both a player and coach, Sheedy’s influence extends far beyond the field. His innovative tactics, strategic mindset, and ability to inspire players have left an indelible mark on the game. As fans reflect on his remarkable journey, one question lingers: What is the true measure of Sheedy’s lasting legacy in the world of Australian football?

Early Life

Kevin Sheedy was born in Melbourne to devout Catholic parents, shaping his early life with a strong sense of faith and community. Growing up, Sheedy played junior football with the local Try Boys society team, honing his skills and passion for the game.

This early exposure to football laid the foundation for his future success in the sport. Raised in a supportive and close-knit environment, Sheedy developed values of teamwork, dedication, and perseverance that would serve him well throughout his life.

His upbringing instilled in him a deep-seated respect for tradition and a desire to give back to his community, qualities that would later define his illustrious career both on and off the field.

Playing Career

During his time as a player, Sheedy demonstrated skill and dedication on the football field, leaving a lasting impact on the sport.

Here are some highlights from his playing career:

  1. Sheedy won the Second Division premiership with Prahran in 1966.

  2. He became the captain of Richmond in 1978.

  3. Sheedy won the best and fairest for Richmond in 1976.

  4. After playing 251 games, Sheedy retired in 1979, having kicked 1171 goals and made 3343 kicks.

Coaching Career

His coaching career spanned over three decades, during which he achieved remarkable success and left a lasting impact on the sport of Australian rules football.

Kevin Sheedy coached Essendon in the VFL/AFL from 1981 to 2007, conceiving the first Anzac Day game in 1995 and securing four premierships with the team. He then led Greater Western Sydney from 2012 to 2013.

Known for his unconventional tactics and player development, Sheedy coached a record 634 games with a 60% winning percentage. He signed as the inaugural senior coach of Greater Western Sydney Giants in 2009, guiding them through their first AFL season in 2012.

Inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 2008, Sheedy’s coaching legacy continues to inspire future generations of coaches and players.

Coaching Stats

Sheedy’s coaching statistics reflect a career winning percentage of 57.8%.

  • Sheedy’s winning percentage places him among the elite coaches in Australian Rules Football.

  • His ability to lead teams to victory showcases his tactical prowess and leadership skills.

  • The consistent success under his guidance highlights his impact on the sport.

  • Sheedy’s coaching legacy is defined by his achievement of four premierships with Essendon.

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