Speaking ahead of his record breaking 879th game as a player or coach, Kevin Sheedy pulled a surprise today saying emerging star Paddy Ryder looks set to play in Saturday’s important clash with the Western Bulldogs at The Dome.
Ryder strained his achilles in Friday night’s loss to
“Every time I see him play I think he’s getting better by the minute and he’s a chance to play this weekend,” Sheedy said.
“Being 19 years old he might have thought he had hurt it and the doctors weren’t real sure but he’s a chance to play.”
Sheedy confirmed that Nathan Lovett-Murray will return for Essendon, Brent Stanton is expected to have recovered from an ankle injury and Adam Ramanauskas will play his second game after last week’s emotional comeback following his courageous battle with cancer.
“I asked him if he was alright, because I was quite happy to rest him, but he said he would be ok,” he said.
While Sheedy was more interested in discussing the upcoming game, including nominating Mal Michael as a possible match-up for the Bulldogs’ Brad Johnson, there was no escaping the historical significance of Saturday night.
An icon of the club, Sheedy will participate in his 879th official match as a player or coach, breaking the all-time VFL / AFL record established by Jock McHale.
When asked about the milestone, Sheedy thanked all past players, presidents and boards.
“You just don’t realise how quickly it goes. You keep going and you get through it and you have some great experiences and I’ve been very fortunate,” he said.
“I haven’t thought about it (the record) a lot to be honest but I just want to enjoy it.”
Sheedy’s record comprises 251 premiership games as a player for
McHale played 261 premiership games for Collingwood as a player and player-coach from 1903-20 and then participated in a further 617 premiership games as a coach only through to 1949 to tally 878 games.
McHale and Sheedy are followed on the all-time list by Leigh Matthews (763 games), David Parkin (729 games), Mick Malthouse (727 games) and Ron Barassi (719 games).
To help mark Sheedy’s milestone, Essendon players have recorded a special message that is playing on BOMBER.tv. Today’s media conference can also be seen on BOMBER.tv.
Sheedy will also be available to take your phone calls this Sunday on Bomber Radio from 9pm. Listen to Sport 927 and call (03) 9347 3477 to speak to him. If Sport 927 doesn’t broadcast in your area you can also listen on: www.sport927.com.au
