It was Australia Day 1986 when Kevin Sheedy first brought Essendon to the Northern Territory.

Thirty years on, Sheedy’s ties to the Top End remain strong. 

Over the last few days he and Essendon CEO Xavier Campbell have held talks with the NT Government, AFL NT and a number of community groups about further strengthening the partnership between the club and the region.

“Essendon and the Northern Territory have been very good to each other over a long period of time,” Sheedy said.

“It’s so important for our players, coaches and staff to get out in the community and learn.

“We have benefited from having many talented players from the NT play for the Bombers and at the same time we are proud of the relationships we have established up here.”

The four-time premiership Coach spent time at the Michael Long Learning and Leadership Centre.

He also spoke to the Norm Smith medal winner’s former club, St Mary’s, as they embark on another finals campaign.

“For me it’s always great to get a chance to talk to a team in and around finals, particularly when I get an invite from a champion like Michael Long,’’ Sheedy told the NT News.

“Especially when I think back on the pathway footy has given myself. It gave me an education, got me the chance to see my country Australia, which I love and I’m still doing coming up to 69 this year." 

Sheedy also spoke with some members of Accor’s Indigenous Leadership program.

The Hotel chain has had a strong focus on indigenous employment since 2001.