Acting AFL Chief Executive Officer Gill McLachlan today paid tribute to Kevin Sheedy, the coach of the Greater Western Sydney Giants, in the lead-up to Saturday’s match at Skoda Stadium which will see Sheedy involved in his 1000th game of elite level football.
“To reach the milestone of 1000 games as a player and coach in VFL/AFL football is an extraordinary achievement and one that may never be matched,” Mr McLachlan said.
“On behalf of the AFL, I want to congratulate Kevin and his wife Geraldine for their impressive contribution to Australia’s game over several decades.
“Kevin has been a larger-than-life presence in the AFL during his playing and coaching career spanning more than 40 years and this Saturday’s historic game will be a worthy celebration of his service.”
On Saturday when the Giants clash with Port Adelaide, Sheedy will become the first person in VFL/AFL history to reach 1000 games when combining all official matches as a player and coach. His career so far encompasses 251 premiership games as a player with Richmond, eight pre-season games as a player with Richmond, eight State games as a player with Victoria; 652 premiership games as a coach with Essendon and the GWS Giants, 72 pre-season games as a coach with Essendon and the GWS Giants, four state games as a coach with Victoria and four International Rules matches as a coach with Australia.
“Significantly, as the Giants’ inaugural coach Kevin continues to share his extensive knowledge, experience and promotional instincts as well as his often unique observations, sense of humour and pure love of the game,” Mr McLachlan said.
“I urge all football fans in Sydney, regardless of their club loyalties, to get along to Skoda Stadium on Saturday to pay a worthy tribute to a great servant of AFL football.”
GWS GIANTS v Port Adelaide
ŠKODA Stadium - Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park
2.10pm Saturday August 4, 2012
Click here to find out everything you need to know about the game
