Kevin Sheedy. Picture: Wikimedia/Bidgee
Round 1, 2014 was the start of a new era in the AFL – one without the coaching expertise of the legendary Kevin Sheedy.
After leaving Essendon at the end of 2007, Sheedy would return to coaching with the brand new GWS Giants in 2012 and 2013, with Leon Cameron taking the reins.
Sheedy would finish with four premierships, 635 games as coach, 366 of those as wins.
This year marks 10 years since the new era began, and the Bombers’ all-time leading goalkicker Matthew Lloyd reflected on his experience with ‘Sheeds’.
“I think what I’ve always said about him was he was so firm with everyone, but he also made everyone feel like they could be the best man on the ground the next week,” he told House of Footy.
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“He would always find the best in people, he’s got killer instinct in him and he’s ruthless and it’s how he expected his players to be.
“I came in as a pretty nice 16-year-old and left a hardened player because that’s what he expected. He said they’ll come at you, so you’ve got to go as hard back.
“He always encouraged you to better yourself off the field.”
Post-footy, Lloyd has been seen on the Sunday Footy Show and Footy Classified as a regular in the media.
Reflecting on the end of his career, Lloyd said Sheedy was more than supportive of his post-footy aspirations.
“He always knew media was my passion and he said I want you to do it while you’re playing and set yourself up for after footy,” he said.
“He saw the big picture as well for you both on field and off field. He’s such a father figure to me as well.”
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