Kevin Sheedy to step down from Essendon board at season’s end
Essendon icon Kevin Sheedy will step down from the club’s board at the end of the season, having joined in 2020 to rebuild the club’s footy department.
AFL
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Essendon icon Kevin Sheedy will step down from the club’s board at the end of the season, closing a tumultuous period.
The legendary Bombers coach joined the club’s board in 2020 with the mandate to rebuild the club’s football department and has helped implement an external review and appoint two senior coaches.
But the Bombers have made little progress on field in that time and Sheedy caused controversy by breaking ranks around the appointment of current coach Brad Scott.
Sheedy told the Herald Sun in September, 2022 that he did not vote for Scott to take over and instead wanted former captain James Hird to return to the seat.
The public stance surprised and disappointed the Bombers brass in a time the club was searching for stability.
Shortly after, the Bombers board appointed Andrew Thorburn as CEO only for him to resign only days later over a conflict relating to his involvement in a Christian church.
The Dons board previously split over the sacking of Ben Rutten, with multiple board members stepping down.
Essendon is unlikely to play finals in Scott’s second season in charge and haven’t won a final since 2004, when Sheedy was coach.
Sheedy’s legacy in football remains secure after a stellar playing career with Richmond and an iconic 27-year coaching run with Essendon, in which the club won four flags.
He also coached the inaugural GWS Giants and sat on the board of the club.
In 2018 he was named a legend in the Australian Football Hall of Fame, an honour only handed out to 32 figures in the game’s history.
Sheedy said he was “very confident” the club was headed in the right direction.
“I am very confident under the leadership of CEO Craig Vozzo and senior coach Brad Scott, that we are on the road to success,” he said.
“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 go.
“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.”
Bombers president Dave Barham said Sheedy had made “an enormous contribution to this club”.
“He joined the board during a challenging period and helped the club through some difficult mements 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.”
Sheedy will step off the board in September.
Originally published as Kevin Sheedy to step down from Essendon board at season’s end
AFLPA hits out at ‘name, shame and punish’ drugs system
The AFLPA has opposed a reported change to the AFL’s drugs testing system which it says would “name, shame and punish” players and reduce their anonymity.
Track watch: Bolter firms for key role in revamped Pies defence
Collingwood’s defence is set for a shake up, with a new face looming as a key part of the club’s backline in 2025. Check out the latest track intel from CHRIS CAVANAGH.