A fierce competitor, a coaching mastermind and an eccentric figure known for his talk of Martians and marshmallows – there is no one like Kevin Sheedy and, according to fellow luminary Kevin Bartlett, no one more deserving of AFL Legend status.
The former Essendon and GWS coach was named the AFL’s 28th official Legend at the annual Hall of Fame function in Melbourne on Tuesday night.
Sheedy excelled as a player with Richmond but made his biggest impact on the game as a four-time premiership coach during an astonishing 27-year reign at the Bombers.
“Only two people in the world did 27 years: Nelson Mandela and myself,” a deadpan Sheedy said in his acceptance speech.
Sheedy’s longevity was due in part to his tactical nous, shaped by an unconventional mind most famously manifested when he criticised umpires with obscure references to “Martians” or labelled two rival executives “marshmallows”.
“Kevin was never conventional,” Bartlett said.
“He was innovative, he was a risk-taker and he moved players about like chess pieces.”
Derisively labelled a “bloody back-pocket plumber” by then-Richmond coach Tom Hafey, Sheedy played 251 games for the Tigers between 1967-79, winning three premierships, and was named in the club’s team of the century.
But it was as a coach that Sheedy found the greatest fulfilment.
Sheedy went on to lead Greater Western Sydney during their inaugural season, famously imploring his young charges during a pre-game speech to never let themselves be dominated.
“I don’t believe anyone has made a greater contribution to the game of Australian rules football than Kevin Sheedy,” Bartlett said, noting that Sheedy had been motivated to coach the Giants by his desire to grow the game.
The timing of Sheedy’s elevation, just days before the annual Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round gets underway, is fitting given his strong promotion of Aboriginal players.
Sheedy championed the establishment of the annual Dreamtime at the ‘G clash between Essendon and Richmond, as well as the Bombers’ Anzac Day match against Collingwood and the burgeoning Country Game against Geelong.
More than 85,000 fans are expected to flock to the MCG on Saturday night for this year’s Dreamtime match, which includes celebrations of indigenous culture and The Long Walk for reconciliation led by Bombers great Michael Long.
The honouring of Sheedy with the AFL’s highest status capped off a night in which six former greats of the game, including Geelong premiership hero Matthew Scarlett, were inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Former Western Bulldogs coach and Hawthorn premiership player Terry Wallace, ex-Melbourne power forward David Neitz, former Carlton skipper Wayne Johnston and West Australian greats Bernie Naylor and Mel Whinnen were the other inductees.
Aligee
Guest
Yep, all fair enough, but he was fanatical in his desire to change the rules, we should never trust coaches etc, as many said at the time.
Penster
Roar Guru
Deserved and overdue in fact. Sheeds is an excellent and very funny orator also, as seen in his acceptance speech.
Wilson
Roar Rookie
He wants to remove or reduce the interchange now as well. Heard him talking on a podcast recently (can't remember which one) and was amused to hear his current thoughts... he forgot to mention how much he pushed for it in the first place. What an absolute God though.
BigAl
Guest
Have you ever heard this famous quote - " If the facts change I change my opinion - what do you do sir ?"
Aligee
Guest
Heard Sheedy on the radio this morning asking for 16 a side to relieve congestion. The answer IMO is not less players, but less I/C. Also a bit rich from Sheedy who fanatically pushed for 4 I/C players and unlimited interchange.
Floyd Calhoun
Guest
His coaching career obviously overshadows his playing career, but that shouldn’t be under-valued. He’s in the Richmond Team of the Century, alongside teammates like Bartlett, Bourke, Hart, Barrot, & Clay. He was a much better player than often given credit for. Especially in finals.
AR
Guest
Sheedy is a giant of the game. Funny, smart, tough, open - thoroughly deserving.
Johnno
Guest
I am not sure of that 6X. As I understand it, WA & SA agreed to take it in turn. Why? Why couldn't the AFL just pick the right person from Australia to be inducted, they could all come from SA in one year, but they are the next best.
The Joy Of X
Guest
Sheedy has since argued that the interchange should be reduced, and referred to modern football as "basketball crap". He has made many negative comments about the current congestion, and pressurised scrappy play etc. I am surprised he has not been asked to be on Steve Hocking's State Of The Game Advisory Commitee.
BigAl
Guest
Tasmania had some stay at home greats - up until the 60s.
Pope Paul VII
Guest
yep the extended interchange has clogged the game.
Paul D
Roar Guru
Absolutely deserved
User
Roar Rookie
Great to see Naylor and whinnen recognized, the way the afl has inducted greats of the wafl and sanfl should be applauded as it shows a maturity that wasn't there for many years since comp went national.
Aligee
Guest
Like the guy, but a bit bat crazy, his fanatical push for I/C increase was not his finest moment and IMO has not improved but rather detracted from the game. Deserving of legend.
Leonard
Guest
Absolutely super - and totally unavoidable - choice, outlined in a clear and objective article. Equally good news - albeit in a much smaller cosmos - the Sheedy/Kickett rapprochement; only negative is that it took so long. 85000? Fans of the two great clubs and of the 'two Sheedys', fill every seat and make it 95.000!
BigAl
Guest
I would agree with Bartlett's summation of Sheedy - and how's that acceptance speech !