In early April, local Aussie Rules fans will have the opportunity to meet a legend of the game when Kevin Sheedy comes to Yass.
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The former Richmond defender, whose career spanned 12 years and 251 games for the Tigers from 1967 to 1979, will address the crowd at the Yass Roos' Sportsman's Dinner on April 4.
Since his playing career finished, Sheedy went on to coach Essendon for 26 years and a staggering 634 games between 1981 and 2007, during which time the club claimed four premierships.
After he left Essendon, Sheedy returned to coaching five years later with the Greater Western Sydney Giants in their inaugural season. He concluded his tenure with the Giants at the end of 2013, after 44 games in charge.
"It's huge, we are very excited to have Kevin come to town," Roos secretary Jenene Forlonge said.
Forlonge explained that it was the club's association with former GWS High Performance Manager, John Quinn, which led to Sheedy's booking.
"In 2018 at our presentation night, John Quinn was our emcee and he actually Skyped Sheeds and the current Giants coach [Leon Cameron]," she said.
"It all went from there and John said to Sheeds 'What are the chances of getting you to Yass?' and he said 'I'd love to come, you make it happen and I'll come'.
"It's taken until 2020 but it's happening."
Quinn will once again act as emcee for this year's Sportsman's Dinner, and due to his long association with Sheedy (the pair worked together for 10 years at Essendon before reuniting at GWS), Forlonge said there will likely be "a lot of banter and a lot of stories that haven't been heard before".
Along with Sheedy and Quinn, the night will feature items up for auction including a signed Collingwood jersey, a signed Raiders jersey, and some wine tasting packages.
There will likely be more items up for auction on the night, once they have been confirmed by the donors.
Though it will obviously be a night to remember for AFL fans, Forlonge said those who do not follow the sport will also enjoy it.
"He's such an across the gamut person that I don't think it's just for AFL people," she said.
"He's got such wide and diverse interests, there's lots more to Sheeds than the player and the coach."
The event will follow the Yass Roos' round one match against the Molonglo Juggernauts, which will be played at Joe O'Connor Park from 2.05pm.
"Everybody [is welcome], the more the merrier," Forlonge said.
"We'd love to have a full house, the more that can come the better the night will be.
"It will be a good game to start the year off, we've got a few new players for the club, lost a few old ones, so all round it'll be an exciting day."
The Yass Roos' Sportsman's Dinner will be held at the Yass Soldiers Club on Saturday, April 4 from 6.30pm.
Tickets are $110 per person, and can be purchased through Eventbrite. For more information, please visit the Yass Roos Facebook page.
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