Kevin Sheedy

[Prodigal_Son 4]

According to ABC radio this morning sheeds to be announced as coach today. If this is true it sounds like they have gone for a "name". I still rate sheeds as one of the most motivational speakers I have heard but I think the game has passed him by

[Jarka 767]

Publicity stunt

[Hulett Packard III 166]

Publicity stunt

One that's getting a fair working over from News Limited which co-incidentally just happens to employ Sheedy to write for its newspapers. The HUN has a front page "exclusive" (continued on page 4), the back page story complete with idiot photographs (continued on page 73 where there's also an opinion piece "Right man at the right time") and, as if that wasn't enough, it's also the lead item in the editorial on page 24.

All of it very much complimentary of the News Limited employee and not a critical word although for some reason the editor concludes it's a "gamble". You would hardly know why after reading and looking at four pages of gushing testimonials for the great man.

These newspapers really are shameless the way they try to treat their readers like idiots.

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

I thought that when Barassi went to Sydney. However I thought Barassi's influence in a non AFL state was good for Sydney at that time.

[beelzebub 22,230]

Publicity stunt

without doubt...but he does have the credentials. A clever ploy by Vlad and Co. Doesnt guarantee anything...but the war is on..lol

[The Emblem 1]

Publicity stunt

You say that like its a bad thing.

[beelzebub 22,230]

You say that like its a bad thing.

Well thats just it isnt it. The attack on the NSW/Sydney hearts wont be fought in the same manner as say in QLD etc it will need a lot of publicity...and constant publicity. Intersting to note on the 9 morning show ( and keep in mind these shows are all Sydney-centric ) that its big news. So first points to the AFL.. they have NRL scared.. lol....god how shaky is that game up there

[Pates 9,537]

The whole West Sydney franchise is a farce, and this is just confirming it. Rather than do a proper search and interview process for a good coach they've gone for a name, and from what i heard from Bomber fans when they gave him the flick he is definitely passed it.

West Sydney is a doomed venture and the AFL is going to loose millions from it, it just better not come back on clubs like Melbourne.

[Curry & Beer 5,444]

I can't believe this is happening

Who wants to see GC and WS come in to the comp? Look at Freo and Poo Adelaide they are the newest clubs and they are a complete mess

Meanwhile North and our good selves look down the barrell

[H_T 2,941]

The whole West Sydney franchise is a farce, and this is just confirming it. Rather than do a proper search and interview process for a good coach they've gone for a name, and from what i heard from Bomber fans when they gave him the flick he is definitely passed it.

West Sydney is a doomed venture and the AFL is going to loose millions from it, it just better not come back on clubs like Melbourne.

Whilst I understand the concern. I think this move is very positive for the venture. Sheedy is big on "people". He understands what makes clubs "tick" and having the right people, good people in place that strive for the best - which can only be good for a club that is being born.

May sound like 'hogwash' to some.

His headlines that will make media street will be a bonus. GWS needs a face, who better than Sheedy with all his coaching experience. As RR said, I thought the same when Barassi went to Sydney when they were on their knees. That turned out alright. This is a little different in circumstances as the club is starting from scratch. Someone like Sheedy will help put the right people in place. I'm sure all the benefits GWS will receive will provide much assistance as well.

How do you know it is a doomed venture, Pates ?

[beelzebub 22,230]

The whole West Sydney franchise is a farce, and this is just confirming it. Rather than do a proper search and interview process for a good coach they've gone for a name, and from what i heard from Bomber fans when they gave him the flick he is definitely passed it.

West Sydney is a doomed venture and the AFL is going to loose millions from it, it just better not come back on clubs like Melbourne.

As such ,..regarding the farce Im on record as agreeing...or at least suggesting this is still far more an uphill battle..( and for what benefit ) than the AFL can imagine.

However...with that preface I will say it is something of a clever tactic to employ Sheeds. Already its got them ( NSW-other sports) jumpy..Sheeds is very left-filed..presentable.. He's articulate and revered. he can talk the talk and theres a lot of talking to be done up there

[Yencks 8]

I can't believe this is happening

Who wants to see GC and WS come in to the comp? Look at Freo and Poo Adelaide they are the newest clubs and they are a complete mess

Meanwhile North and our good selves look down the barrell

is freo a complete mess?? talking off-field?

[beelzebub 22,230]

Treating the assigning of Sheedy as a completely different issue as to the how and why of GWS itself keep your eyes peeled for all but saturation over the next few days with interviews etc eminating out of Sydney. They (media) will be drawn like a moth to light !! ....and Sheeds will play them for all their worth

Sheeds is a legend of the game and even Sydney cant ignore a legend. If anything it may draw intrigue. Sydney will NEVER be about the substance of the game proper. Its more about packaging and glitz, more about transient interests etc. Bit like keeping a kitten amused. Its more about being entertained up there than how we perceive following/spectating footy. This may well keep them 'eyes-up' for a while.

Round 1

AFL -1 NRL -O

[Jarka 767]

You say that like its a bad thing.

I don't know...I haven't made up my mind whether the whole 'expanding into West Sydney' is a good idea or not. The Swans have been in Sydney for 20 odd years and they still haven't been completely accepted by the local market. Having two teams in the market just seems frught with danger. The upside is huge though if it works.

As for Sheedy, well, after his comments about the MFC following his unsuccesful application for our coaching role I think he was exposed for what he really is. A professional person does not make public comments like that. Then there was the whole Richmond fiasco...

Is his heart really into it or is he just looking for a retirement plan?

I much prefer the GC17 model. But then again I prefer to base a multimillion dollar organisation on a solid business plan based on proven and sound facts rather than relying on a razzle dazzle publicity stunt such as a promo photo of a fat, over the hill bloke in lycra pyjama's, wearing his undies on the outside.

[Jarka 767]

Whilst I understand the concern. I think this move is very positive for the venture. Sheedy is big on "people". He understands what makes clubs "tick" and having the right people, good people in place that strive for the best - which can only be good for a club that is being born.

May sound like 'hogwash' to some.

His headlines that will make media street will be a bonus. GWS needs a face, who better than Sheedy with all his coaching experience. As RR said, I thought the same when Barassi went to Sydney when they were on their knees. That turned out alright. This is a little different in circumstances as the club is starting from scratch. Someone like Sheedy will help put the right people in place. I'm sure all the benefits GWS will receive will provide much assistance as well.

How do you know it is a doomed venture, Pates ?

Yes, i've heard that he really is big on having the right people around him. Looking back at his career at Windy Hill he was very good at getting rid of those who held different views to him.

[Curry & Beer 5,444]

is freo a complete mess?? talking off-field?

no they are strong off field but they have played finals 3 times for 1 win in their 15 year history which is an utter disgrace. They are currently a bottom 4 side and nobody gives the slightest toss about them as they have no soul, no tradition and no success. Simply shouldnt be in the comp and these new clubs will be exactly the same

[H_T 2,941]

no they are strong off field but they have played finals 3 times for 1 win in their 15 year history which is an utter disgrace. They are currently a bottom 4 side and nobody gives the slightest toss about them as they have no soul, no tradition and no success. Simply shouldnt be in the comp and these new clubs will be exactly the same

If they are strong off field, they're not a "complete mess" is Nugget Jones' point.

[The Emblem 1]

I much prefer the GC17 model. But then again I prefer to base a multimillion dollar organisation on a solid business plan based on proven and sound facts rather than relying on a razzle dazzle publicity stunt such as a promo photo of a fat, over the hill bloke in lycra pyjama's, wearing his undies on the outside.

It worked for Mr. Incredible!

[rodney_g 63]

"... He's articulate ..."

Not sure if this is considered a positive personality trait in the Western suburbs!

Doug Hawkins would be a much better chance at communicating with the locals.

[beelzebub 22,230]

Not sure if this is considered a positive personality trait in the Western suburbs!

Doug Hawkins would be a much better chance at communicating with the locals.

Sheeds can also speak Martian and Seagull did yo not know ? ..am sure he can interpolate for those that dwell out west....probably use a lot of pictures !!!

[darkhorse72 1,737]

I think it is a good choice. Over 30 years experience in successful environments, Tigers/Bombers.

He'll also surround himself with young assistants that will do most of the work, he'll act as the spokesman and overall senior coach/mentor.

The other thing is marketing ability and his personality to promote and communicate his message. Whether he wins alot of games I dont know

but he'll provide a good foundation to the club. Similar to what RDB did when he went to help Sydney.

[Curry & Beer 5,444]

If they are strong off field, they're not a "complete mess" is Nugget Jones' point.

yep let's just replace all the traditional clubs LIKE US with empty, soulless franchises that never even succeed on-field, as long as they are making money for somebody

you and Demetriou would get along fine

ps Freo has a better run at things as the second fiddle in WA, Port obviously does not and GC and WS will not either

[Sir Why You Little 34,615]

Sheeds was always going to be the First coach of GWS. No suprise to me this morning reading the Paper at all.

Yawn....Just Herald/Sun selling Fish & Chip wrapper for tomorrow.

[kryton 0]

Not sure if this is considered a positive personality trait in the Western suburbs!

Doug Hawkins would be a much better chance at communicating with the locals.

Excuse me, I live in the Western Suburbs of Sydney and I can assure you I am a good measure more articulate than a good many of the other posters on this site and I think I can safely assume a high proportion of them are Melbourned based. There are portions of Western Suburbs that could be construed as under educated, just like in Melbourne. So perhaps you could be a tad more discerning in your use of the broad brush.

Edited November 9, 2009 by kryton

[Hulett Packard III 166]

More satuaration coverage today although we should be grateful that the HUN allocated some room to other sports people as well. Just for the record, although he commands about a quarter of the space as the News Limited employee, some golfer named Tiger arrived in town yesterday.