‘Untenable’: Kevin Sheedy breaks ranks over Brad Scott Essendon hire

Essendon legend Kevin Sheedy has drawn the ire of the AFL world after breaking ranks with his Bombers counterparts.

Kevin Sheedy has taken aim at the Bombers. Photo: NCA Newswire

Kevin Sheedy’s position on the Essendon board has been branded “untenable” after the four-time premiership winning captain dramatically revealed he voted for James Hird to be named the club’s next coach.

Brad Scott was named the Bombers’ next coach on Thursday night but it appears the drama isn’t over as Sheedy broke ranks from his fellow board members.

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In a letter to fans on Thursday, president Dave Barham declared the board had fully endorsed Scott to be named coach.

“The coaching subcommittee met for the final time this afternoon to finalise their recommendation. This recommendation was then fully endorsed by the Board at a meeting this evening.”

Brad Scott is in the hot seat. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nicki Connolly

It’s a statement which didn’t sit well with Sheedy, who lashed out via the Herald Sun on Friday.

“I am extremely disappointed that the comment from my club was that it was fully endorsed, when in fact I voted for James Hird to be the coach of Essendon,’’ Sheedy said.

“The vote was 6-1. Now, I would’ve expected that to have been written, and that in the end the board actually won that vote.

“But I want to make sure all the fans know that I voted for James Hird and I’m extremely disappointed with the report that went out from the Essendon media department.

“I’m not happy.

“Don’t tell the Essendon fan base an untruth.

“This is what happens when you bring new people into the club.

“I actually felt insulted that Hird would think I voted against him after what he’s done for our club.’’

Hird was reportedly a contender for the role despite having been stood down from the club for the 2014 season as a result of the club’s supplements scandal.

The club was banned from the finals series while 34 past and present players were suspended for two years, resulting in 17 of them missing the 2016 season.

Hird returned to coach the Bombers in 2015 before resigning later that season.

Sheedy was the head coach of the Bombers between 1981 and 2007, including Hird’s entire playing career between 1992 and 2007.

The pair were chaired off together at the end of the 2007 season after retiring at the same time.

Sheedy and Hird chaired off Subiaco Oval.

Sheedy said he did support Scott’s tenure but claimed Hird had achieved more for Essendon over the past three decades.

“I thought he needed a second opportunity, but that’s not to say I won’t support the coach who has been appointed,’’ Sheedy said.

“But I want to make the sure the Essendon fan base understands the truth, and the Hird family.

“It’s nothing against the board, it’s the way it was reported by our media department.’’

Sheedy said he would remain on the Bombers board despite breaking ranks with his counterparts.

Barham said of Sheedy: “Why wouldn’t he stay on the board? Sheeds is a really important part of the board and this club and he will be right behind Brad.’’

But fans and media were perplexed about how Sheedy could possibly continue in his role.

The Age’s Daniel Brettig wrote: “Sheedy and Hird need to go away and form their own “Real Essendon FC” in country Victoria somewhere and all the truthers can move there.

Nine’s Mark Gottlieb posted: “Sheedy is straight up admitting he’s not concerned what’s best for Essendon, but what’s best for James Hird. I admire that kind of loyalty but it makes his position on the Bombers board untenable.”

James Hird & Kevin Sheedy are still close. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

AFL.com.au’s Callum Twomey tweeted: “There’s a difference between ‘fully endorsed’ and ‘unanimous vote’. It is impossible to see how Kevin Sheedy remains a board member at Essendon.”

The Herald Sun’s Jay Clark commented: “Extraordinary. Sheedy has to resign now doesn’t he? Weird end to an exciting day for Essendon.”

WWOS’ Chris De Silva added: “Never been more convinced that Kevin Sheedy’s position on the board is untenable. He keeps undermining what they’re trying to do and it’s toxic.”

Kevin Sheedy breaks ranks from the board and then provides comment to the HS. Having just crossed the floor to tip out the previous admin. Surely his position on is untenable. https://t.co/dYAoPecRZ6pic.twitter.com/xO9Ogn7iuy

— Ben Cameron (@BenCameron23) September 30, 2022