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I can't stand the Bombers (thanks to a certain gloating Boarding House mate mainly) but I always admired their Coach
On the Footy Show last night when asked his favourite memory from 27 years of footy.
"Playing Zig & Zag with Trevor Marmalade"
Eagles v Bombers clashes just won't be the same without the original jacket twirler there!
Thanks for the memories Sheeds.
End of an era
By Grandstand's Gerard Whateley
Football's most enduring marriage between Kevin Sheedy and Essendon has ended in divorce.
The 27-year relationship was terminated when the board voted 7-4 against offering the coach a new contract on Monday night.
Sheedy was formally notified this morning although he had been aware for more than a week the vote was likely to go against him.
This despite the fact the Bombers remain alive in one of the tightest finals races in history.
Sheedy has defied much during his reign but change proved an irresistible force.
Coming off a season in which it won just three games, Essendon has achieved beyond expectation in 2007.
The Bombers have figured in improbable and thrilling victories over last year's Grand Finalists West Coast and Sydney. So far this season they have spent 10 weeks in the eight.
With injury, suspension and perhaps reality taking hold they have slipped out of the eight and would need four wins from their last six matches to figure in September.
But this improvement wasn't taken into account at board level. The dictating mantra was "It's time".
There is little doubt age told against Sheedy. He will be 60 in December. Football is currently mesmerised with the allure of youth.
Any new contract had to span a minimum three years to allow for the changing of the guard marked by the looming retirement of James Hird.
Whether it's a renovation or a rebuild, the board wasn't prepared to entrust that task to Sheedy.
A fortnight ago Sheedy surpassed Jock McHale's participation record of 878 league games as player or coach.
He delivered four premierships to Essendon - 1984, 85, 93 and 2000 - but his impact can be measured far beyond the silverware.
He made the Bombers a national club, was instrumental in changing the way the game was played, and pushed the frontier of indigenous involvement in the game.
Essendon has chosen something different. Different isn't always better. History will be the judge.
The administration noted good coaches don't grow on trees. They had to be in the game to find one. Trouble was they just showed a good coach the door.
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CHEERLEADERS ROCK!!! 
