Sheedy demands record roll-up
22 August 2007 Herald Sun
Mark Robinson
KEVIN Sheedy's enthusiasm for records has one last roll of the dice on Sunday -- and it involves eternal rival Collingwood.
Sheedy, belying claims that he is bitter in his last days at Windy Hill, last night called on all Essendon and Richmond fans to help break their club's individual attendance records.
The Kevin Sheedy-James Hird extravaganza against the Tigers is tipped to be a sell-out, meaning a crowd of 90,000-plus.
Richmond's home-and-away record is 92,436 -- against Collingwood in Round 4, 1977, at the MCG. Essendon's is 94,825, also against Collingwood, in Round 4, 1995.
"It would be fantastic for the clubs because they're my two clubs," Sheedy said.
Sunday's twilight match, starting at 5.10pm and which will have pre and post-game events celebrating the careers of the coach and the champ, will be played on a perfect night for football.
The weather bureau expects a maximum of 16C.
Sheedy said last night he wanted Collingwood punted out of the record books.
"I'm pretty sure Goughy (MCC boss Stephen Gough) said it was sold out so whatever that figure equates to, I don't know," Sheedy said. "All I know is that if we've got one chance to knock over these records, it's got to be this one."
Sheedy is likely to coach his second-last game for Essendon on Sunday with his last coming against West Coast at Subiaco in Round 22.
The Eagles and the Bombers are also planning a huge night of celebration for Sheedy and Hird.
Sheedy said he was excited about the Tigers clash.
"I am excited, it will be good," he said.
"We will have had Dreamtime at the G and now this, so it's great for both clubs.
"If we get 90,000 on Sunday, we'll end up with 150,000 people watching the two games between the 16th placed team and the 13th paced team -- beautiful."
Sheedy is also expected to walk to the Tigers' cheer squad end to thank them.
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