The Essendon Football Club will honour the immeasurable contribution Kevin Sheedy has made to the game of Aussie Rules at a special function held at the MCG tonight.

Past players, rivals, teammates, sparring partners, friends and family will be in attendance for ’50 Years of Sheeds’ – an event that will reflect on the skill, dedication, foresight, wit and longevity of one of the more remarkable figures in the game.

“I’ve just had a wonderful, happy life in footy,” Sheedy said.

“I made the decision when I was in year nine at Prahran Tech when the Principal wanted to know what job I wanted to do when I left school.

“I said ‘I’m going to be a full-time footballer in the VFL and I’m going to go on and have a long career’, and he said ‘you’re living in Dreamland, son’.

“I said ‘well I’ll enjoy Dreamland’.”

Sheedy made his VFL debut for Richmond in 1967. He went on to play 251 games across 13 seasons. He played in three premierships, won a best and fairest and was appointed Captain in 1978. He was also named in the Tigers Team of the Century.

Sheedy played his last VFL game in round five 1979 against Hawthorn. In October 1980 he was appointed Coach of Essendon. Colin Stubbs, then Club President, said at the time “We consider that Kevin Sheedy has the potential to be a great Coach. I’m sure his personal enthusiasm and determination will bring success to the Club”. And how prophetic Stubbs’ words proved.

With Sheedy at the helm Essendon went from suburban Club to National powerhouse. He coached a total of 634 games at the Bombers. To put that in further perspective that’s more games than Essendon played at Windy Hill in its history. Along the way Sheedy led the team to four premierships.

For all his coaching success, it was Sheedy’s vision that left just as big a legacy. He was a pioneer in taking his team around the country to meet and grow the fan base. He created the ANZAC Day, Dreamtime and Country Game blockbusters that are now central parts of the AFL calendar. Now, having returned to the Club he grew up supporting in a special innovation and strategy role, Sheedy is spearheading Essendon’s effort to establish stronger connections with the Indian community at home and abroad.

“Essendon provided a commitment to a better way of looking at where a Club should try to get to in the next era and we had a wonderful group of leaders there,” Sheedy said.

“We didn’t have a lot of change in the top echelon but you met every different type of person at the Club and they really loved and cared about the players and I was very lucky to be with that sort of group.

“You don’t always win the premiership but we have a great Club.

“To rebound with more members and the best crowds in a decade is an incredible and remarkable performance by our members.”

Sheedy was appointed the inaugural Coach of the GWS Giants and led the team for two seasons. Though the wins were scarce, the players who spent their formative years under Sheedy are now the nucleus of a Giants team that sits on top of the ladder and is on track for a second straight finals appearance.

“Tom Wills (founder of Australian Rules) came out from the south-west of Sydney in between Canberra and Sydney and to get a footy team in his backyard and start that was one of the best things I’ve ever done in my life,” Sheedy said.

Throughout his 50 years in the game Sheedy has enhanced the lives of countless fans, players, staff and administrators.

Tributes continue to be made from all corners of the football world.

You came to Essendon as a young coach. You taught us young players how to become successful. Paul Vander Haar

I have great memories of our four Premierships, and I am so glad he is back at our great club. Colin (Hoops) Hooper

Almost a lifetime leading the way and taking us all along for the ride. There’s a little bit of K. Sheedy in all of us. Garry Foulds

Over Kevin’s 50-year journey in football so far, I have watched with admiration and pleasure, his development from a committed warrior to a generous statesman of our game. Francis Bourke

Sheeds was and still is an innovator, always looking to change the course of a game with an unconventional move. He gave me the opportunity to realise my dream of playing AFL and to experience the ultimate – an AFL Premiership. Scott Lucas

Congratulations Kevin on a magnificent 50-year career. You are unique and your influence on all of us has been immeasurable. Bruce (Doc) Reid

Congratulations on a wonderful 50 years. Your vision and your positive outlook on life have kept you way ahead of the crowd. Simon Madden

A champion player and coach. A brilliant salesman of the code. A visionary, who saw the potential of indigenous players. Tim Lane

He was appointed coach of the Club in late 1980 and what a career it was. 27 years as coach, 4 day Premierships and 3 night Premierships. Greg Sewell

When Sheeds arrived at Richmond in ’67 he knew how to find the footy, but was less than effective with his disposal. However with his ball getting ability, his courage and desire to succeed, became a great Tiger player. Dick Clay

Sheeds invested in me for 13 years as both a person and a footballer. Sheeds taught me life lessons, toughened me up. He is genuine and a genius. Matthew Lloyd

You created many pathways for player success and for that we are all indebted to you. Mark Harvey