Bombers president lauds Kevin Sheedy ahead of Anzac Day clash

Essendon president David Barham has used his Anzac Day clash speech to tell Bombers legend Kevin Sheedy he is “loved by the Essendon family” in the midst of a bombshell legal racism row he has vowed to fight.

Essendon president David Barham says the Anzac Day clash honours the sacrifices of those who have served Australia. Picture: Getty Images

Essendon president David Barham has used his pre Anzac Day clash speech to fete Bombers legend Kevin Sheedy, in the midst of a legal racism row he intends to fight.

The Herald Sun recently revealed Bombers greats Sheedy, Terry Daniher, Roger Merrett and Bill Duckworth, as well as Carlton’s four-time premiership hero Wayne Johnston, had been named in a bombshell Supreme Court statement of claim lodged against the AFL.

The case relates to vile racism against North Melbourne’s Krakouer brothers in the 1980s.

Sheedy and the AFL have vowed to fight the class action but, addressing the Essendon President’s function on Thursday, Barham said Dons fans had his back.

Essendon’s president says Bombers fans have Kevin Sheedy’s back. Picture: David Crosling

“It’s been a tough period for Kevin over the past few months,” he said.

“And while there is no one tougher, on a day like this you need to know that you are loved by the Essendon family.

“The game is lucky as well — an enduring Anzac Day clash between Essendon and Collingwood.

“An event that honours the sacrifices of those who have served this country,” Barbam said the blockbuster that now sells out every year and shines a light on the feats of defence force heroes past and present was “the brainchild of Sheedy and former RSL president Bruce Ruxton.”

“For that alone, every member of the sport all community should be thankful to Sheeds,” he said.

“Anzac Day is the only day on the Australian calendar where we truly unite and connect.”

David Barham says Sheedy has been having a tough period.

Sheedy missed the shot out, turning up to the function once the speeches were over.

But there was not a more popular person in the room, with fans lining up for selfies and to shake hands with the four time Essendon premiership coach.

Sheedy last month told Channel 7: “To be inferred as a racist person was very difficult for me to take to be honest.”

Sheedy, who also came up with the Dreamtime game between Essendon and Richmond and has long championed Indigenous players, said the claims were “A bit of a shock to me, to be honest.

“I mean I worked my whole life trying to get Indigenous players into the game more.”

Originally published as Bombers president lauds Kevin Sheedy ahead of Anzac Day clash