AFL world rallies around Kevin Sheedy after wife goes public with worrying development

AFL fans and pundits are sending their well-wishes to Kevin Sheedy after the Essendon great's wife revealed he's been hospitalised in Queensland. Sheedy’s wife Geraldine released a statement on Sunday, saying the 76-year-old had to be admitted to hospital while visiting family.

“Kevin was visiting family on the Sunshine Coast when he got a fever and sought medical treatment," Geraldine said. “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 news comes after Sheedy revealed earlier this month that he's stepping down as a director on the Bombers' board. The 76-year-old joined the Essendon board in October of 2020 and was tasked with the role of helping the club rebuild its football program.

During his time as a director, Sheedy helped implement a crucial external review as well as appointing a new senior coach (Brad Scott), 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. 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."

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AFL world sends well-wishes to Kevin Sheedy

Sheedy coached the Bombers for 27 years from 1981-2007, helping the club win four premierships during that period. He also had a successful career as a player, making 251 appearances for Richmond from 1967-1979. He was also the inaugural coach of the Greater Western Sydney Giants and later served as a director on the club's board.

Sheedy is also responsible for creating the iconic Anzac Day and Dreamtime matches, enhancing the AFL Coaches' Association and establishing the AFL Sports Ready Program. The 76-year-old is a life member of the AFL, Essendon and Richmond, and an AFL Hall of Fame Legend.

Fans were quick to rally around the legendary figure after news of his illness was made public. "Wishing Sheedy good health," one wrote on social media. Another commented: "Get well legend."