AFL icon hospitalised as he battles with mystery illness
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The Australian football community has been left concerned as Hall of Fame legend Kevin Sheedy, a giant of the game, finds himself sidelined by a mystery illness in a Queensland hospital.
The 76-year-old, known for his indomitable spirit and significant contributions to the sport, was enjoying a holiday on the Sunshine Coast when he unexpectedly fell ill, prompting immediate medical attention.
Kevin Sheedy is not just a name; it's a legacy that resonates with generations of AFL fans. His illustrious career spans over decades, marked by an unwavering dedication to the game.
As a four-time Essendon premiership coach and the mastermind behind some of the most iconic moments in AFL history, Sheedy's impact on the sport is immeasurable.
The news of his hospitalisation has sent ripples of concern through the AFL community, with many fans and former players sending their well-wishes and hoping for a swift recovery.
The Sheedy family, through a statement released by his wife Geraldine, said: ‘Kevin was visiting family on the Sunshine Coast when he got a fever and sought medical treatment.’
‘He has since been admitted into hospital to undertake tests to determine the cause of the problem.’
‘Like all sports people, he’d prefer not to be spending time on the bench and he’s looking forward to getting back to Melbourne and resuming his commitments as soon as possible.’
The timing of Sheedy's illness follows his recent decision to step down from his role as a director on the Essendon Bombers' board—a position he took up in October 2020 to aid the club's football program rebuild.
During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in the club's strategic decisions, including implementing a crucial external review and appointing a new senior coach, chief executive, and general manager of football.
‘The club is in excellent hands with president David Barham and the current board,’ Sheedy said in a statement.
‘Vice President Andrew Welsh is doing an excellent job, looking after the football aspects from a board point of view. I was happy to step up and help when asked by Paul Brasher in 2020, and I have always done everything that I can to help this club. This will never stop.’
‘I am very confident under the leadership of CEO Craig Vozzo and coach Brad Scott that we are on the road to success. We have returned to being a football club where our ultimate focus is on winning football games and making our members and supporters proud with everything we do,’ he added.
‘Essendon means so much to so many people and with the current stability and renewed focus at the football club, we have the right foundations for sustainable success.’
His belief in the club's potential is a testament to his enduring passion for the Bombers, a team he led to glory as coach for 27 years.
Beyond his coaching achievements, Sheedy's legacy includes the creation of the ANZAC Day and Dreamtime matches—events that have become cornerstones of the AFL calendar, celebrating the sport's heritage and community spirit.
His work with the AFL Coaches Association and the establishment of the AFL Sports Ready Program further underscore his commitment to the development of the game and its players.
We at the Seniors Discount Club send our wishes to Kevin Sheedy for his speedy recovery.
The 76-year-old, known for his indomitable spirit and significant contributions to the sport, was enjoying a holiday on the Sunshine Coast when he unexpectedly fell ill, prompting immediate medical attention.
Kevin Sheedy is not just a name; it's a legacy that resonates with generations of AFL fans. His illustrious career spans over decades, marked by an unwavering dedication to the game.
As a four-time Essendon premiership coach and the mastermind behind some of the most iconic moments in AFL history, Sheedy's impact on the sport is immeasurable.
AFL Legend Kevin Sheedy was hospitalised due to a mystery illness. Credit: @kevinsheedy10 / Instagram
The news of his hospitalisation has sent ripples of concern through the AFL community, with many fans and former players sending their well-wishes and hoping for a swift recovery.
The Sheedy family, through a statement released by his wife Geraldine, said: ‘Kevin was visiting family on the Sunshine Coast when he got a fever and sought medical treatment.’
‘He has since been admitted into hospital to undertake tests to determine the cause of the problem.’
‘Like all sports people, he’d prefer not to be spending time on the bench and he’s looking forward to getting back to Melbourne and resuming his commitments as soon as possible.’
The timing of Sheedy's illness follows his recent decision to step down from his role as a director on the Essendon Bombers' board—a position he took up in October 2020 to aid the club's football program rebuild.
During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in the club's strategic decisions, including implementing a crucial external review and appointing a new senior coach, chief executive, and general manager of football.
‘The club is in excellent hands with president David Barham and the current board,’ Sheedy said in a statement.
‘Vice President Andrew Welsh is doing an excellent job, looking after the football aspects from a board point of view. I was happy to step up and help when asked by Paul Brasher in 2020, and I have always done everything that I can to help this club. This will never stop.’
‘I am very confident under the leadership of CEO Craig Vozzo and coach Brad Scott that we are on the road to success. We have returned to being a football club where our ultimate focus is on winning football games and making our members and supporters proud with everything we do,’ he added.
‘Essendon means so much to so many people and with the current stability and renewed focus at the football club, we have the right foundations for sustainable success.’
His belief in the club's potential is a testament to his enduring passion for the Bombers, a team he led to glory as coach for 27 years.
Beyond his coaching achievements, Sheedy's legacy includes the creation of the ANZAC Day and Dreamtime matches—events that have become cornerstones of the AFL calendar, celebrating the sport's heritage and community spirit.
His work with the AFL Coaches Association and the establishment of the AFL Sports Ready Program further underscore his commitment to the development of the game and its players.
We at the Seniors Discount Club send our wishes to Kevin Sheedy for his speedy recovery.
