By Brittany Drysdale
PLAYING and coaching a record breaking 929 games over an impressive career span of 47 years, AFL superstar Kevin Sheedy AO is one of the greatest of the greats.
With 251 games playing with Richmond FC from 1967-1979, Mr Sheedy’s career as a professional footballer included three premierships, a club best and fairest, and a captaincy in 1978. In 1981 he swapped playing for coaching, leading Essendon FC for 27 years, with a total of 386 wins, 242 losses, seven draws, and four grand final appearances.
Mr Sheedy’s awe-inspiring reputation goes beyond wins and losses, he is responsible for the creation of the annual Essendon-Collingwood ANZAC Day match, and ‘Dreamtime at the G’, a match celebrating Indigenous involvement in football’s history.
Now a retiree at the age of 75, Kevin spends his time gardening, writing books, travelling the world, and engaging with members of the community.
Last Friday, the footy legend visited over 50’s resort living facility Lifestyle Communities Shepparton, as part of an ongoing partnership with Klean Air Australia, an air-conditioning contractor dedicated to keeping Australians healthy, and reducing energy costs in Aussie households.
The talk was offered to an eager crowd of Lifestyle homeowners, who relished the opportunity to hear the wonderful Mr Sheedy talk about all things football and healthy living.
“This was the best event I’ve been to in a long time,” said resident Brenda Pye. “Inspirational words, full of fun, and just a fabulous experience.”
Sheedy had the crowd in stitches as he ribbed and joked with them all, providing a marvellous morning full of mirth.
“My favourite thing about coming to events like this is the people. They make it great. They’re all different personalities from all the different clubs, but in general they are the entertainment,” said Mr Sheedy.
Speaking to life in retirement, the AFL icon offered this advice to those who are settling down.
“Your health is your wealth. That’s why I like working with Klean Air,” said Mr Sheedy, “I think happiness is a big part of being healthy and I think it’s important that we look for positivity instead of anxiety.
“At our age, we’re living life in the fourth quarter. You better make that last quarter exiting.”
