Essendon Football Club is set to bid farewell to one of its most iconic figures as Kevin Sheedy announces his decision to step down from the board at the end of the 2024 AFL season.
This development marks the end of a significant 31-year association with the Bombers, during which Sheedy left an indelible mark on the club, becoming one of the most influential people in their history and in the broader AFL landscape.
Sheedy's tenure on the Essendon board began in October 2020, a tumultuous period for Essendon and the league as a whole dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Appointed to help steer the club through a phase of reconstruction, Sheedy's was a key part in the implementation of an external review, which generated some controversy.
Despite being well-documented in wanting disgraced Bomber James Hird to re-join the club in a senior coaching capacity following the infamous 2012 WADA scandal, this review instead led to the appointments of new senior coach Brad Scott, CEO Craig Vozzo, and a new General Manager of Football.
Additionally, Sheedy played a crucial part in bringing Vice President Andrew Welsh back to Essendon, who now chairs the club's Football Governance Committee.
Despite his significant contributions, Sheedy's time on the board has not been without controversy. His outspoken support for former captain James Hird's return as senior coach, and subsequent break from the board's consensus in favor of Scott, drew criticism and highlighted a period of internal division.
This, combined with the club's struggle to make tangible progress on the field, has made Sheedy a polarising figure among fans and pundits alike.
President Dave Barham expressed gratitude for Sheedy's extensive service, acknowledging the challenges he faced during his tenure.
“Kevin has made an enormous contribution to this club. He joined the Board during a challenging period and helped the club through some difficult moments following the COVID lockdown period,” Barham said.
“He was instrumental at Board level on keeping us all focused on football. He will always be a legend of this club and revered by every Bomber fan and supporter.”
In a statement, Sheedy reflected positively on his time with the club, expressing confidence in its future.
“The club is in excellent hands with President David Barham and the current board. Vice President Andrew Welsh is doing an excellent job, looking after the football aspects from a board point of view.
I was happy to step up and help when asked by Paul Brasher in 2020, and I have always done everything that I can to help this club. This will never stop,” Sheedy said.
He also commended the leadership of CEO Craig Vozzo and Senior Coach Brad Scott, emphasising that the club is on the right path.
“I am very confident under the leadership of CEO Craig Vozzo and Senior Coach Brad Scott, that we are on the road to success. We have returned to being a football club where our ultimate focus is on winning football games and making our members and supporters proud with everything we do. Essendon means so much to so many people and with the current stability and renewed focus at the football club, we have the right foundations for sustainable success.”
Sheedy's departure from the board comes after a storied career that includes four premierships as Essendon's senior coach between 1981 and 2007, as well as his role in founding the Greater Western Sydney Giants.
His influence extends beyond Essendon, with his innovations including the Anzac Day and Dreamtime matches, and contributions to the AFL Coaches' Association and the AFL Sports Ready Program.
At 76, Sheedy's impact on the game remains profound. His legacy as a coach, player, and administrator is firmly established, and while his board tenure has been marked by both achievement and controversy, his departure signals a new chapter for Essendon.