Full Name: KEVIN SHEEDY
Date of Birth: 24/12/1947
Height: 180 cm ( 5-11 )
Weight: 81 kg ( 12-11 )
Guernsey: 10
Debut: 29/04/1967, Round 3, Fitzroy
Last Game: 05/05/1979, Round 5, Hawthorn
RICHMOND SENIORS
Seasons: 1967-79
Total Games: 251
Total Goals: 91
Honours: Premiership 1969, 1973-74, Captain 1978, Best & Fairest 1976, Victorian Representative 1969-72, 1974, 1977 Games 8 Goals 1.
RICHMOND RESERVES
Seasons: 1967-68
Total Games: 9
Total Goals: 9
Honours:
BIOGRAPHY
Kevin came to Richmond as a centreman, however due to the dominance of Bill Barrot, he soon found himself in the back-pocket. Kevin made his VFA debut with Prahran at the age of 16 and spent three seasons with the seniors, which included the 1966 Premiership side. He originally tried out with Melbourne, as Prahran was in their residential zone, and played in several of their practice matches. Melbourne didn't show any lasting interest so he returned to Prahran. When he crossed to Richmond without a clearance in 1967, he was automatically disqualified from playing in all Leagues of Australia, except the VFL.
As a football he was a perfectionist; he did everything possible to improve his overall game including arriving early for training to practise his kicking and writing himself notes to focus on facets of his game that required improvement. He was the classic example of how hard work can produce results; was fearless in his desire to get the ball, used his body well to position himself for free kicks and was also a tough, uncompromising player who was not afraid to back his judgement. Although a rugged player he was never reported during his senior career. He was a fine team man who was very creative with his use of handball, which, on occasions was too quick for his team mates. Between 1968 and 1972 he was essentially a back-pocket player, then in 1973 he was given an opportunity to ruck rove and this move paid handsome dividends, allowing him to be more creative. Richmond were also fortunate that they had two ready-made replacements in Laurie Fowler and Mervyn Keane, who could both play in a back-pocket.
Kevin was a fine player in Richmond's back-to-back Premiership sides of 1973 and 1974. He got Richmond off to a fine start in the 1973 Grand Final, kicking 3 goals in the first quarter. During the second quarter of the 1974 Grand Final he marked in the forward-pocket and shaped as if to kick for goal, but when he reached the man on the mark he handballed over the top to Michael Green for a very easy goal. He later explained that if Green's opponent was standing on the mark who was minding Green? That passage of play sparked a Richmond onslaught as they had struggled to shake North Melbourne off up until that stage. Kevin's performances in the Premiership sides he played in are highlighted by the fact he was in the best five players in each final. He was voted Richmond's best player in the 1971 semi-final against Collingwood, the 1974 Grand Final and the 1977 semi-final against North Melbourne. He was voted in Richmond's best three players in seven of the Finals games he played in. He was a member of the 1969, 1973 and 1974 Premierships and 1972 Grand Final teams. He won the Best and Fairest award in 1976, finished second in 1969 and third in 1971 and 1974. He was voted Best Player in the Finals Series in 1971 and 1973, and was awarded Life Membership in 1976. He also won the Most Determined award in 1974 and 1976. He was vice captain in 1977 and captain in 1978. He also represented Victoria eight times. His highest individual goal tally was 4 which he kicked against Footscray in round 11 of 1973, and Essendon in round 18 of 1974.
His love of the game took him into coaching. He was an avid Essendon supporter as a boy and it was ironic that his only coaching role has been with that club. He took over as Essendon's Senior Coach in 1981 and since that time they only missed the Finals four times. In 1983 he led Essendon from the elimination final to the Grand Final, where they received a hiding from Hawthorn. He quickly gained revenge over the next two seasons. His coaching of the 1984 and 1985 Essendon Premiership sides was a stroke of genius in the way he swapped his players about. The 1984 Grand Final in particular, was amazing in the way he moved players from defence into an attack to fire up a beaten side. Kevin has also coached his side to night Premierships in 1981, 1984, 1990, 1993 and 1994. He was the Victorian State Coach in 1985 and 1986. During the 1993 season he reached a milestone when he coached Essendon to victory over Collingwood in his 300th game as coach. 1993 was probably his finest season as a coach, when he led a talented, youthful Essendon combination to both the day and night Premierships.
Kevin was a very innovative coach who will try anything if he thinks there is a positive result to be achieved. He is always seeking to improve his knowledge of the game as well as developing new ideas for the overall improvement and development of our great game. Kevin can never be accused of forgetting a player who may not have made league football on his first attempt. Two examples were Steven Clark and Darren Williams. Both players had their careers resurrected to such an extent that they were both selected for Victoria. Kevin could best be described as the "Sherlock Holmes" of football, as he leaves no stone unturned in his quest for football perfection.
He is a self confessed football fanatic who relates very well to people from all walks of life. he especially thrives when the topic is football and has an extensive collection of football history which includes numerous football videos which he often refers to as his assistant coach. Away from football, he also represented the Richmond District Cricket Club Senior XI during the mid 1970s. He scored 6 runs and took 13 wickets bowling leg spinners. He was actually up for selection to replace Australian Test leg spinner Jim Higgs in the Richmond team for a District Final. Higgs was away touring with the Australian test team and Kevin was to be his replacement until the football club stepped in and refused him permission to play.
He also worked at Richmond as a specialist coach and promotions officer although he was originally a plumber by trade. After he retired from playing League Football he also worked in the media for a short time. In 1995 a book was written about him by Tom Prior entitled "Sheeds A Touch of Cunning".
He was inducted as a Legend in the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 2018.
PRE RICHMOND
Prahran Try Boys Three Years ; Prahran Thirds 1963 ; Prahran Seniors 1964-66, Games 50, Goals 47 ( Honours - Premiership 1966 ).
POST RICHMOND
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