James Hird reveals hilarious Kevin Sheedy stories at launch of coaching legend’s new book
KEVIN Sheedy is a football visionary but when it comes to computers, he’s all at sea. One story told by James Hird at Sheedy’s book launch would make even the biggest technophobe blush.
Essendon
Don't miss out on the headlines from Essendon. Followed categories will be added to My News.
JAMES Hird made a rare public appearance to launch the latest book offering from his old coach Kevin Sheedy.
Speeds has released an illustrated autobiography to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his first senior game with two of his favourites, Hird and Gavin Wanganeen, on hand to mark the occasion.
One of Hird’s favourite tales about his former mentor comes from the mid 1990s and related to Sheeds’ computer skills.
STAR RECRUIT: HOW BOMBERS DECIDED STRINGER WAS THEIR MAN
LIST ANALYSIS: BOMBERS A REAL PREMIERSHIP THREAT
He was walking past the coach’s office when he was urgently called in.
“You know about computers don’t you?” Sheeds asked.
Hird explained how he’d gone to university and had regularly used computers although he wouldn’t call himself an expert.
“Well, can you tell me how to get this bloody mouse to work.”
Hird asked his coach to show him what he’d been doing to try and get it working.
What happened next is forever ingrained in the Essendon champion’s memory.
“He had the mouse on the actual screen of the computer and was moving it around,” Hird explained.
He also told a story about Sheeds’ love of books and how on the 1993 football trip to America he’d decided to purchase a book from every city he visited.
However, on a flight to New Orleans the team made a brief stopover in Dallas.
Just as the captain had ordered everyone to fasten their seatbelts and shut the door, Sheeds got up and bolted from the plane.
“Bugger, I forgot to buy a book,” he told Hird, who was seated next to him.
The plane left without him and Sheeds arrived in New Orleans three days later.
THE WHISPER
The Carlton CEO search might not be the charade everyone in the industry thinks. Former AFL executive Simon Lethlean is thought to be over the line but we hear new board member Chris Judd is part of a selection committee for the job and we’re tipping he wouldn’t be putting up his hand for the role if it wasn’t a legitimate process.
The Blues won — but is anyone convinced?
Carlton did what they needed to do against an injury-hit Essendon. But the performance wouldn’t have given their faithful much confidence 2025 will amount to anything special.
Carlton or Essendon: Which club is closer to its next premiership?
They both have 16 premierships but look a long way off their 17th. We delve into the key areas defining Carlton and Essendon to determine which club will get to the promised land first.