The inaugural Head Coach of the GIANTS Kevin Sheedy has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from the University of Western Sydney.



Sheedy received his Doctorate at the Graduation ceremony for the School of Science and Health at UWS’ Parramatta campus where he also delivered the Occasional Address.



The only person to play and coach a combined 1000 VFL-AFL games, Sheedy handed over the coaching reins to Leon Cameron at the conclusion of the 2013 season after more than 45 years in the game.



He has been appointed to the GIANTS’ Board of Directors and will continue with the club for the next three years to build membership, crowds and corporate sponsorship.



Sheedy said he was thrilled to receive the honour. “At the age of 65 it’s about time I graduated,” he said.



“I want to thank UWS for their ongoing support of the GIANTS and the partnership we have formed to promote education in Western Sydney. This is a great region and UWS has a critical role in developing people who will lead this country for generations to come.”



The University of Western Sydney launched a partnership with the GIANTS in 2011.



In addition to the GIANTS’ reserves team being named the UWS GIANTS, UWS and the GIANTS have collaborated on the UWS schools program and provided long-term career development and educational pathways for GIANTS players.



The GIANTS have also provided professional development and leadership opportunities and internships for UWS students and collaborated on educational and community-focused projects with the University.



Kevin Sheedy Career Record

Played 251 games and kicked 91 goals for Richmond (1967-1979)

Coached 679 games for Essendon and GIANTS (1981-2007; 2012-13)

Richmond Premiership Coach 1969, 1973, 1974

Essendon Premiership Coach 1984, 1985, 1993, 2000

Coached six pre-season Premierships for Essendon

First coach of the Greater Western Sydney GIANTS

Jack Dyer Medal, Richmond Best and Fairest 1976

Richmond Captain 1978, Richmond Hall of Fame 2002

Australian Football Hall of Fame 2008

Richmond Team of the Century (back pocket)

Essendon Team of the Century (coach)

Total games played and coached at the conclusion of the 2013 season - 1030 including international, state and pre-season games