As far as footballing CV’s go, there are few more impressive the Gavin Wanganeen’s.
It boasts two premierships, a Brownlow Medal, five All-Australians, Team of the Century and Hall of Fame honours.
He played 300 games, with his formative years spent under Kevin Sheedy.
Wanganeen arrived at the Bombers as a 17 year old who had shown promise in the SANFL.
He left as a highly sought after commodity and the man who would lead Port Adelaide in their first AFL season.
He remembers Sheedy as being much more than a football Coach.
“I’ve had a good relationship with ‘Sheeds’ since I was a young ‘fella’ rocking up to Essendon as a 17 year old,” Wanganeen said.
“Sheeds was a very caring Coach – he loved his players, he’d do anything for them, he was loyal.
“It wasn’t always about footy, he was always interested in your life away from footy, and your mental state.
"He was always helping in whatever way he could.
“Footy wise, what an unbelievable motivator he was, just the passion and the fire in the belly that flowed through into his players … you just wanted to play for him.
“He was tough when he needed to be, he expected you to play hard footy – if the ball is there and someone is in the way, you knew what to do.”
On Thursday June 29 Essendon will celebrate one of the most remarkable careers in the game’s history.
‘50 Years of Sheeds’ will honour the great Kevin Sheedy.
From his days as a premiership winning Tiger, to transforming the Bombers into a national powerhouse, to launching the Giants, to his vision that has seen ANZAC Day, Dreamtime at the ‘G and now the Country Festival form crucial components of the AFL calendar … his contribution to the game is unrivalled.
Join us as we celebrate ‘50 Years of Sheeds’ at the iconic MCG on Thursday June 29.
Guests will enjoy canapés on arrival as well as a two-course meal and beverages.
Tim Watson will MC this once in a lifetime evening, featuring special guest appearances from some of the AFL’s most influential personalities, along with past and present players.
Date: Thursday 29 June
Time: 6:30pm – 11:00pm
Venue: MCG Members Dining Room, Level 2, Gate 2 entry
Price: $230 Members, $250 Non Members
Dress: Lounge Suit
