Essendon coach and former Kevin Sheedy protégé James Hird has called his mentor “a special person” as the Greater Western Sydney GIANTS coach reaches his 1000^th match as a player or coach this weekend.

Hird appears in one of a series of videos produced for GIANTS TV, paying tribute to Sheedy to mark the historic occasion.

WATCH HIRD'S MESSAGE:

“Congratulations! One thousand games is a lot, it’s enough to make any person go mad I’m sure,” said Hird.

“You’re a credit to the game, an amazing person and I think everyone who comes into your life realises what a special person you are.

“Your influence on myself and Essendon has been amazing, so thank you and good luck in your thousandth game.”

GIANTS TV has already broadcast the Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s tribute to Sheedy and will continue to release videos from notable Australians in the lead up to the match against Port Adelaide on Saturday.