Sheedy to leave Eagles nest at season’s end

By ZAC MILBANK

Dual Woodville-West Torrens premiership coach Jade Sheedy has made the shock decision to step down from his role with the Eagles at season’s end. 

With his side in a transition phase – currently sitting in seventh with a 5-10 win-loss record – the highly-respected mentor cited ”burn out” as a major factor after nearly four years in charge.

The 43-year-old’s is set to spend more time with his young family – he has three children aged between 10 and 15 – while also devoting more time to his construction business, Sheedy Homes.

Sheedy will continue to coach the League side for at least the remaining three rounds, with his decision allowing the club to begin its search for a replacement immediately.

”Jade has always had a profound and unwavering commitment to our club and all the people associated with it,” Woodville-West Torrens President Christine Williams said.

”His expertise and knowledge have enabled the club to achieve the highest honour in SANFL football on two occasions and assisted countless players to achieve their dream of being drafted into the AFL.

”Our club has been so fortunate to have had Jade, Luke Powell, David Couzner and Matthew Goldsworthy working in our football program, caring for the well-being of our players.

”The club will always be indebted to Jade and his family, and we would like to thank Jade’s family, Kelly, Ava, Will, and Max, for their unwavering support of Jade’s involvement with the WWTFC.”

Graduating to SANFL League coaching ranks after a successful stint with the Athelstone Raggies in the Adelaide Football League, Sheedy guided the Eagles to the 2020 and 2021 premierships in his first two seasons at the helm.

The 2002 Magarey Medallist finishes with an impressive 43-28 win-loss record across his four seasons in charge at Oval Avenue, which includes 38-27 in the minor round and 5-1 in finals.

Sheedy – who played 255 SANFL games for Sturt from 2000-2012 – also guided the West End State team to successive victories against the WAFL in 2021 and 2022, to retain the Haydn Bunton Junior Cup.