Kevin Sheedy - a former long serving Essendon coach, 251 VFL-game player with Richmond and a man who was involved in seven premierships over a 40 year career as a player and a coach will be the guest of honour at the 2008 Schluter medal count.

Sheedy (left) will be at the Vine Inn on Monday, September 8, as part of his duties as an AFL 150th year celebration ambassadors.

The 2008 football season celebrates 150 winters of Australia’s unique football passion and 100 years of football in the Barossa and Light competition.

The Schluter medal count - which includes Herald reserves best and fairest award - is one of the premier events on the local sporting calendar.

“We really appreciate the support of Affiliated Leagues director, David Shipway for his efforts in securing Kevin Sheedy as our guest speaker on the night,” said Robin ‘Nobby’ Symes, the BL&G Football Association president.

“Sheedy is a icon of the game and a fantastic football person to have coming to the medal count.”

In his senior 13-year playing career, Sheedy represented Victoria in 1969,70,71,72,74 and 77 and was a member of the Richmond premiership sides of 1969,73, and 74. He was the Richmond best and fairest in 1976 and captain in 1978.

Sheedy took over as Essendon coach in 1981 and established a long and impressive career, taking the Bombers to four premierships from six grand finals.

His coaching has been revolutionary and successful, promoting a host of aboriginal champions including Michael Long and Gavin Wanganeen and making decisions which have changed the AFL landscape.

Sheedy guided former Nuriootpa junior Jay Nash through his early AFL career, after being drafted at pick 28 in 2003.

Nash played 20 games across three seasons under Sheedy.

Nash is one of half a dozen AFL footballers with a background in the Barossa and Light association.

Angaston’s Shannon Hurn at West Coast, Justin and Matthew Westhoff and Jonathan Giles at Port Adelaide, and Alan Obst at North Melbourne among the others.

Nash has been the best performed of the local group, playing 18 games so far this year.

Hurn, one of the young leaders at the Eagles has endured a frustrating year with injury, only playing six games.

After playing in the grand final in his initial season Justin Westhoff recently signed a three year deal with Port Adelaide.