Richmond thumped Essendon earlier this season. The Bombers went down by 42 points and managed just five goals for match. “We have got enormous respect for Richmond, particularly after what happened earlier this season,” Essendon coach Kevin Sheedy said. “And we have noted what has happened in the newspapers this week and the pressure that has been put on that club – our players are aware of that and how the Tigers will be feeling.”
“We have to make sure we get out and play our best football. I have had a look at the sides from the last time we played and they are very different. We were also coming off a Perth trip and we didn’t handle that match very well at all. They are in many ways the side that has made it difficult for us to reach the top four.”
Sheedy said Dean Rioli would return after missing last weekend’s match with a calf injury. He also suggested Aaron Henneman was in line for a recall. Promoted rookie Courtney Johns may also make his debut.
For Sheedy, this weekend’s match holds added significance – it is his 200th as a coach at the famous MCG. Sheedy has won 133 of those matches and lost 63. There have been three ties in that time. He has coached in 23 finals at the MCG and four Premierships.
“I started coming here in 1963 when I was at school and I used to come down here for footy camps. It has been a marvellous part of my life. I have had some terrible losses here and some good wins but it has been a great experience,” Sheedy said. “I had a great time here with Richmond and a great time here with the Bombers. I have had many highlights – I suppose losing Grand Finals has been the lowlight.”
MCG MATCHES COACHED
Kevin Sheedy 199
Norm Smith 179
Tom Hafey 173
‘Checker’ Hughes 136
John Northey 130
David Parkin 109
Ron Barassi 105
Mick Malthouse 97
Jock McHale 89
John Kennedy 85
Leigh Matthews 74
