AFL icon Kevin Sheedy set for surprise coaching return after 11-year layoff

Iconic AFL figure Kevin Sheedy is preparing a shock return to coaching.

Sheedy was last a senior coach at the professional level in 2013, mentoring the GWS Giants during the infancy of their AFL tenure.

Now, after an 11-year layoff, the revered figure plans on taking the game of Australian Rules to international shores.

Sheedy, alongside retired AFL stars Brent Harvey and Isaac Smith, will try his hand in an open-age competition in Croatia and Bali with the 'Southern Slugs'.

"The proposal is that they would like me to help coach over there," Sheedy said, via News Corp.

"I think it's important that we help the coaches in other countries, I have done that in London for the BAFL, British AFL, [and I] did it in Toronto and the USA.

"I think it's important that we keep looking to develop our game and our coaches.

"I still have to look at the dates of those trips but Croatia is definitely the one I am interested in because Croatia has produced some very good players at AFL level."

Harvey, the AFL games record-holder, and Smith, a four-time premiership player and the 2022 Norm Smith Medallist, are said to be joining forces with a host of other football stars under Sheedy's guidance.

Before imparting his wisdom in Western Sydney, Sheedy capped a prolific coaching stint with Essendon. The Australian Football Hall of Fame Legend coached the Bombers in 634 games between 1981-2007, achieving a 61.36 winning percentage and securing four flags.

As a player, Sheedy was just as instrumental, helping lead three premiership-winning efforts with Richmond in 1969, 1973 and 1974.

Sheedy's sojourn overseas is understood to likely take place in October or November.