Sheedy hints at quitting as AFL coach

AUSTRALIAN International Rules coach Kevin Sheedy has hinted he will not be taking charge of the AFL team next year.

The footy legend was in bullish form after his side’s defeat of Ireland in the controversial second test in Croke Park earlier this month, calling the hosts “the greatest conmen” he had ever met after complaints about his side’s tactics in the opening quarter.

However, the fallout seems to have sapped his desire to continue in the role he has held since succeeding Garry Lyon in last year’s series down under. Sheedy gave an interview to Australian radio station 3AW over the weekend where he appeared to be deflated by the trip to Ireland. His affect on the Australian team this past two years has been considerable. Prior to his arrival, the side consisted largely of All-Australians (the equivalent to our All-Stars) many of whom would not have possessed the optimum attributes for the hybrid game.

Sheedy changed all that, opting for more nimble and smaller players and the tactic worked perfectly with the Australians winning the last two series.

Unfortunately, both series have been marred by violent scenes that prompted his opposite number this year, Sean Boylan, to state there was no future for the tie after the second test in Dublin.

Sheedy has been a permanent fixture in Aussie Rules since playing the first of his 251 games for Richmond in 1967 but it was as a coach that he would leave make the biggest impact.

He won his first Premiership title with Essendon in 1984, just three years after becoming the club’s head coach and went on to capture three more titles in the course of 20-plus years.