When the GIANTS play Collingwood this Saturday, it will be Kevin Sheedy’s 372nd and last match at the MCG.
Sheedy holds the record for the most number of appearances at the MCG as a player and coach, with Mick Malthouse next in line with 285.
Sheedy played 132 games for Richmond at the famous ground before coaching 239 times at the venue in charge of Essendon and the GIANTS.
He has also been part of seven premierships at the MCG. Three of these as a player with Richmond – 1969, 1973-4 – and four as coach of the Bombers – 1984-5, 1993 and 2000.
Throw in the ANZAC Day and Dreamtime at the ‘G matches that he’s been instrumental in establishing and it’s little wonder the Melbourne Cricket Ground is a very special place for the 65-year-old.
“Most of my life has been at the MCG,” said Sheedy.
“I was a lolly boy there. I used to sell lollies at the Grand Finals with my brother Patrick and we used to think it was pretty good. We used to be able to make a buck and then go to the footy and watch the Grand Final.”
“I was probably about nine years of age, it was very hard to jump the fence at the MCG. Most other grounds you could jump the fence to get into the footy but you couldn’t do that at the MCG so you had to go and get a job,” he said.
More than half of Sheedy’s 251-game playing career was at the MCG with the Richmond team of the ‘60s and ‘70s including some of the all time greats of the game.
“Seeing Kevin Bartlett play great footy, along with Francis Bourke, Ian Stewart and Royce Hart, that was pretty special,” said Sheedy.
“They were some of the great players I’ve played footy with and of course Barry Richardson too, they were fantastic players.”
In his 27 years in charge at Essendon, Sheedy led the Bombers to four premierships with the 1993 Grand Final win over Carlton holding a special place in his heart.
“We won a premiership in Essendon’s first year at the MCG ,which was pretty telling, because no one expected it.
“And of course the Hawthorn Grand Finals (victories in 1984 & 1985) and in the end to beat Melbourne in 2000. “
Sheedy’s legacy at the MCG will continue to grow with the ANZAC Day match between Essendon and Collingwood an annual blockbuster, and the Dreamtime at the ‘G match that the Bombers and Tigers play for continuing to grow in it’s importance.
Saturday will be the fourth and final time Sheedy coaches the GIANTS at the MCG, with his young side looking to knock off the Magpies and secure their first win in Melbourne.
