Sheedy stays on

The Greater Western Sydney GIANTS are pleased to announce they have reappointed Kevin Sheedy as Head Coach for 2013.

GIANTS Chief Executive David Matthews said it was the unanimous view of the club that Sheedy should continue next year.

“Since he was appointed three years ago Kevin has made an enormous contribution to the club on and off the field and he is the right person to coach the GIANTS in 2013,” Matthews said.

“He has been a strong and calming influence on our young playing group in what was always going to be a challenging but exciting first season and his experience, knowledge and people skills have been invaluable.

“His passion for the game is stronger than ever and he has helped build not just this young team but also the club. The game in New South Wales and the ACT needs people with vision like Kevin Sheedy and we’re thrilled he will coach us again in 2013.”

Matthews said the club was pleased with how its coaching structure was working. “The model of Kevin as Head Coach, Mark Williams as Senior Assistant Coach and a number of assistant and playing coaches has proved to be very effective,” he said.

“In particular Kevin and Mark have worked together extremely well and Mark has been a great support to him and is contracted as Senior Assistant Coach for 2013.”

Sheedy was appointed as inaugural Head Coach of the GIANTS in 2009 after coaching Essendon to four premierships over 27 years between 1981 and 2007. He also played in three premierships for Richmond during a 251 game playing career.

He was inducted into the AFL Hall of Fame in 2008 and this year became the first person in the history of the VFL/AFL to reach 1000 games as a player and coach when the GIANTS defeated Port Adelaide at ŠKODA Stadium.

“I’m thrilled to have been asked by the GIANTS to continue as Head Coach next year and I’m really looking forward to continuing to develop this talented young playing group and help set this club up for long term success,” Sheedy said.

“I’ve really enjoyed the challenge of working with such a dedicated and committed group of people on and off the field and can’t wait for 2013 and what should be another exciting year for the club.

“We have won two games this year in Canberra and at ŠKODA Stadium, had 36 young players make their AFL debut and also produced seven NAB AFL Rising Star nominees so there is a lot to look forward to in 2013.”

The GIANTS will play their final match of the year against North Melbourne at ŠKODA Stadium at 4.40pm this Saturday, September 1.

KEVIN SHEEDY CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

PLAYER – 251 premiership matches with Richmond, 8 pre-season/night competition matches, 8 state matches.

Richmond Best and Fairest winner 1976 and member of 1969, 73-74 premiership teams

COACH – 656 premiership matches, 72 pre-season/night competition matches, four state matches and four international matches.

Coached Essendon premiership sides in 1984-85, 1993 and 2000 and coached Greater Western Sydney GIANTS to their first win against Gold Coast in May 2012.