Kevin Sheedy enters his 23rd season at the helm of the Bombers with only Jock McHale, Allan Jeans, Tom Hafey, Ron Barassi and David Parkin having coached more matches in the history of the game. Sheeds chalked up his 500th match as a senior coach in Round 3 2002 in the Grand Final replay against the Brisbane Lions. 
The four-time premiership coach is firmly entrenched among the greats of the game. His love of the Bombers, and above all the game, has endeared him not only to Essendon supporters but the football public in general. As has his sense of humour. He knows this is a serious business - but "not enough people laugh" according to Sheedy. 

Sheedy has faced many challenges in his 22 years coaching career and 2003 presents the famous coach with another opportunity to work with a young list. The Essendon list has changed over 40% over the past two years and this season Sheedy will attempt to work his magic and have success with the new breed of Bomber stars.