Kevin Sheedy is hospitalised after being struck down with a mystery illness

AFL legend Kevin Sheedy has been admitted to hospital after he was struck down by a mystery illness while on holidays.

The 76-year-old was visiting family on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast when he fell ill and needed urgent medical attention.

It’s believed Sheedy has been in hospital for a number of days.

His wife Geraldine confirmed the news in a statement on the family’s behalf on Sunday night.

‘Kevin was visiting family on the Sunshine Coast when he got a fever and sought medical treatment,’ she said.

‘He has since been admitted into hospital to undertake tests to determine the cause of the problem.

‘Like all sports people, he’d prefer not to be spending time on the bench and he’s looking forward to getting back to Melbourne and resuming his commitments as soon as possible.’

Sheedy announced earlier this year he would be stepping down as director of the Essendon football club’s board at the end of the season.

The four-time Essendon premiership coach returned to the club to join the board in 2020, hoping to help the club rebuild their football program.

During his tenure, Sheedy appointed a new senior coach, chief executive and general manager of football, also helping to implement a crucial external review system,

Sheedy said he was leaving the club in excellent hands.

‘I was happy to step up and help when asked by Paul Brasher in 2020, and I have always done everything that I can to help this club. This will never stop,’ he said at the time.

‘I am very confident under the leadership of CEO Craig Vozzo and coach Brad Scott that we are on the road to success.

Sheedy’s family say the four-time premiership coach looks forward to returning to Melbourne

‘We have returned to being a football club where our ultimate focus is on winning football games and making our members and supporters proud with everything we do.’

Sheedy played 251 games for the Richmond Tigers over 13 seasons and won three premierships.

He coached Essendon for 634 games and four premierships between 1981 and 2007.

He was also the inaugural coach of the GWS Giants for the 2012-13 seasons.