Surely though his influence has to wane on account purely of the fact that his undermining efforts have left the club worse off. Even starstruck fan boys in the Coteries would be joining the dots on that now
Essendon coteries and factions
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I think the difference between Carlton and Essendon coteries and the rest is they had the entitlement for winning as they were the successful clubs when the VFL first transitioned to a business. They just failed to adapt to the, I will say, more level playing field of the draft and salary cap whereas teams like Collingwood, Geelong and Hawthorn had to take their medicine in the late 90s. Carlton and Essendon just tried to plough on the same way they always did. The "we are Carlton, **** the rest" thing is perfectly symbolic of their issues over the last 30 years.
threenewpadlocks
Brownlow Medallist
Yep
Carlton whining over the changes to the F/S acquisition rules harming them in getting Walker is a bit rich, given the hand that they had in historical rules with zoning and interstate acquisition etc. when they got their historical Bendigo zone. They were ones that were always at the forefront of thinking they could push and dictate and play politics for the league's rules, to benefit them in the end
Sheedy would have been great at Richmond - he probably could have stood up to Graeme Richmond and told him where to get off. But maybe he couldn't, and that's why he lost out to Tony Jewel. No offence to Tony Jewell - he got us a flag. But Sheedy would have been good wherever he went. At Richmond, he probably could have used his status to have nixed the ridiculous 'trade war' with Collingwood, not to mention paying certain players far more than they were worth.
I understand why he has legendary status at Essendon, as well as Richmond (probably even moreso at Essendon). He was a genius - with all the flaws and caveats that come with a genius. He needed a strong club behind him that was willing to give him the keys - which he got at Essendon (and would have got at Richmond - but he had to manage Graeme Richmond).
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Eddie is a very good networker, does a lot of win/win deals. Worked up from poverty so he couldnt afford to make enemies, often he was the poorer bloke at the table.
Created consensus at Collingwood out of some pretty controlling coteries who had evolved out of their lanes. He won backing from absolute legends abd played on outside by side" ethos, which had become more of a slogan than reality.
EG the past players committee was a de facto fund raising committee, because the fund raising was run by a loyal volunteer group who hadnt expanded the base. The ex playersy got "paid" in favours, like finals tickets, which meant the club couldnt offer corporate packagesor other "soft" rewards. There were other handshake deals and traditions which paralysed any reforms. He was the new broom, backed with strength but also tactful. Now the past players are spoiled with lunches and feted in public and private, and they don't have to fundraise.
Advertising revenue wasnt handled well, so much was amateur. I had an old mate volunteering there who was handling fairly high tier stuff which really should have been done by a paid qualified officer. He was actually up to it thankfully, but it was unproffessional. He was thanked by Eddie and told he was no longer required in that role.
Eddie set things right. He looks after mates but left on good terms and supported his replacements, his mate Korda but also his rival Browne, and did things professionally.
Maybe Essendon have been affected by "mission creep" and a lack of collegiality? If someone runs a place too long they gain a rusted on way of doing things. A legend like Sheeds could prevent change with a few calls i reckon.
If he took over at Richmond c.1980 any success would have been measured against Hafeys 4 flags, and in the shadow of GR. I think the trade war still happens.
Created consensus at Collingwood out of some pretty controlling coteries who had evolved out of their lanes. He won backing from absolute legends abd played on outside by side" ethos, which had become more of a slogan than reality.
EG the past players committee was a de facto fund raising committee, because the fund raising was run by a loyal volunteer group who hadnt expanded the base. The ex playersy got "paid" in favours, like finals tickets, which meant the club couldnt offer corporate packagesor other "soft" rewards. There were other handshake deals and traditions which paralysed any reforms. He was the new broom, backed with strength but also tactful. Now the past players are spoiled with lunches and feted in public and private, and they don't have to fundraise.
Advertising revenue wasnt handled well, so much was amateur. I had an old mate volunteering there who was handling fairly high tier stuff which really should have been done by a paid qualified officer. He was actually up to it thankfully, but it was unproffessional. He was thanked by Eddie and told he was no longer required in that role.
Eddie set things right. He looks after mates but left on good terms and supported his replacements, his mate Korda but also his rival Browne, and did things professionally.
Maybe Essendon have been affected by "mission creep" and a lack of collegiality? If someone runs a place too long they gain a rusted on way of doing things. A legend like Sheeds could prevent change with a few calls i reckon.
Sheedy had status at Essendon after 85. Success after a two decade drought made him a legend I guess.
If he took over at Richmond c.1980 any success would have been measured against Hafeys 4 flags, and in the shadow of GR. I think the trade war still happens.
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I wouldn't hold your breath. Most people prefer to cling to fantasy than the face reality. Especially if it proves you've been wrong about something you hold dear.
Good to watch from a distance though. Personally I hope they get Sheedy and Hird back. One less team to worry about.
They are certainly a fascinating spectacle
