When Greater Western Sydney coach Kevin Sheedy hangs up his coaching boots at the end of this year’s home and away season, the soles will be well worn but the laces may not yet be completely tied.
Coaching a newly established team that in many eyes, has failed to live up to expectation will do that to you.
“I think that New South Wales has produced that many great players but I don’t think we have actually inspired New South Wales people with what they’ve already done.”
It’s been a tough couple of years for Sheedy, who alongside the rest of the GWS team will now endure their second wooden spoon, amidst a 21 game losing streak in their two-year existence.
“The deal is, once you take over the reins, it’s all yours and you make or break yourself. I think the Giants is something totally different. For me it’s sort of like a work of art,” he reflects.
But despite a lengthy 43 years as both a player and coach in the AFL, Sheedy has not ruled out continuing in a role within the AFL.
“I can’t complain about the run I’ve had,” he says with a wry smile.
“I can’t complain about the run I’ve had” – Kevin Sheedy
“It’s tempting to leave, to be honest, and be my own person and if it’s out of footy altogether then I’ll make that decision when I’m out of it. It’s just a time thing. I do not like rushing decisions.”
For many, the sport of AFL is nothing more than a passing phase hidden amongst a far greater number of lifetime accolades. But for Sheedy – or Sheeds as he has affectionately become known as to the football community – the AFL has more or less, become his life.
“I’ve been blessed to be honest, with good fortune,” he says modestly.
His proudest achievements, not surprisingly, stem from his playing days. Albeit a substantial list of achievements to his name, he barely has to think before responding to the age-old question.
“The one where we won the premiership, ‘93, because we were the youngest team in the competition, probably the youngest team that ever won a premiership.”
The age factor is obviously a theme that has resonated with Sheedy throughout his time as GWS coach.
“Concentration is a very, very hard area to teach young players.”
But although the coaching challenges that have come with GWS have come in abundance, he speaks highly of the young stars, in particular, Jeremy Cameron, coming through the senior ranks.
“He deserves to be All Australian, I don’t care what the other selectors think. When you can see a great one coming, you know he’s going to be one of the best players I’ve been involved with.”
And despite his departure at the end of the season, Sheedy remains optimistic about the future of Greater Western Sydney.
“The Giants will be one of the best clubs of the AFL. It’s only a matter of time. It’s about people, it’s about quality people making great decisions.”
The question on everyone’s lips is just who those people will be?
Words by Simone McInnes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHUJ5Ksloe4